At Stellar Bank, we’re enormously passionate about advancing the wellbeing and prosperity of the communities in which we live and work. Senior Vice President David May joined the board of Adaptive Sports for Kids (A.S.K.), a Nederland, Texas-based organization with a goal of giving children and adults with special needs an opportunity to play sports they may not be able to play, all at no cost to them. Here, we asked David to share more about this organization and why it’s a cause close to his heart.
Q: When did you originally become involved with A.S.K.?
Since its inception in 2011.
Q: Why was it important to you to support this organization?
As a father of a child with cerebral palsy, I recognized the need for activities catered to individuals with special needs in our area. It is still very important for these individuals to stay as active as possible and make new friends. A.S.K. has year-round activities that help with their motor skills and keep them active. A.S.K. has made a huge difference in my daughter’s life, as well as the lives of my wife and me.
Q: Can you tell us more about your role as treasurer of A.S.K.?
I take care of all of the deposits from fundraising and merchandise sales. I keep the checkbook balanced and track all donations from corporations and individuals. I prepare financials in QuickBooks for board meetings and to present to the United Way on a quarterly basis. Since we are a United Way funded non-profit, I prepare and submit quarterly reports to them as well.
Q: Is there a specific memory or event during your time with A.S.K. that feels particularly special to you?
We fundraised over $400,000 to improve our baseball field with AstroTurf so all participants can play on a smooth and safe surface no matter the weather conditions. In the past, the field would get muddy when it rained, and we could not push a wheelchair on a muddy field. This led to a lot of canceled games and disappointed athletes. We are very proud of our new field!
Q: In your own words, how does Stellar Bank encourage employees to show their spirit for community service?
By providing opportunities and time during work hours to volunteer.
Q: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Inclusion is something my wife and I have had to fight for on behalf of our daughter over the last 20 years. Nobody should have to sit on the sidelines because they are unable to "run" the bases or verbally speak. Special needs individuals want the same things as everyone else. They should not have to stay home because they simply do not function the same way as other individuals do physically or mentally. A.S.K. gives those individuals who cannot run the bases a chance to play baseball, along with several other sports. They adapt to each individual's needs, so they can participate, and feel a sense of community. I am proud to be on a Board who selflessly gives their own personal time so that special needs athletes have the chance to play sports they may not otherwise have been able to participate in!
