Page 21 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING J.T. & MARGARET

T ALKINGT ON

The Legacy Event Center

and the YWCA BY GLENDA MATHIS

FAMILIES FLOURISH AND HAVE FUN

The YWCA landscape was completely altered when the the facility serves
funding from the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Foundation so many other
changed Sun ‘n Fun from a shack on Elgin Street, where organizations
sunlight beamed through the roof, to a stunning modern and nonprofits
contribution to the community. The project could not and gives our
have happened without the help of the funding from the youth a safe
Foundation. The impact on the community and families place to play and
we serve is more than anyone ever imagined. Restoring the enjoy out-of-
property enlivened an historic location. We were quickly school times. With Leftwich Park neighboring, the J. T. and
impressed by the hundreds of people who came to us with Margaret Talkington YWCA at Sun ‘n Fun is a perfect place
stories of how they “grew up” at Sun ‘n Fun. They learned for kids and families and is
to swim at Sun ‘n Fun; their children spent days at the pool, ideal for the more than 150 BEFORE
and now, they are thrilled to bring their grandchildren back to children who join us for our
the same location. It is rewarding to reminisce with them and YWCA summer camp.
hear their memories, but it is even more
fun to watch them create new memories In a separate project, in
with their families. 2009, the YWCA
was able to
The J.T. and Margaret Talkington renovate The
YWCA at Sun ‘n Fun is a spectacle Legacy Event
of community in action. More than Center (formerly
a thousand people each week come First Presbyterian
together to laugh, celebrate family Church) and
events, and enjoy the splash pad restore its
and pool. Inside, there are classes vitality to the AFTER
and fitness areas community,
or the challenge of thanks to
the climbing wall, significant donations from the Foundation. Today, hundreds
alongside a rousing of families head to The Legacy each morning to be a part of a
game of basketball wonderful childcare community, and more than a thousand
or volleyball. The women each year take advantage of the services provided
commercial kitchen by the Women’s Health Initiative located there. The Legacy
cranks out no less than hosts free concerts and recitals from the Texas Tech College
a thousand meals each of Music, and the First Friday Art Trail brings in hundreds
week to serve children of visitors for the unique work of local artists on display
under the age of 18. throughout the halls each month. Restoring the building and
We are honored that paying tribute to the legacy and history of the building has
been instrumental for the YWCA and for the community.

For the YWCA and many other organizations in
Lubbock, the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Charitable
Foundation has been transformational. Through their
hard work, ingenuity, and commitment to Lubbock,
J. T. and Margaret Talkington created a powerful and
palpable legacy, improving the quality of life for us all
and impacting our community for decades to come.

Lubbock Senior Link 21