Meet our Founder- Charlie Clark

The Birth of a Vision with Purpose

A Community's Journey of Hope and Unity

In September 2023, Charlie Clark, a lifelong resident of New Boston, Texas, learned the devastating news that would change his life forever. Just two days into his new job at New Boston Property Management, Charlie was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer), requiring the immediate removal of the affected kidney. With no medical insurance for the first 90 days of employment, this diagnosis came at a particularly vulnerable time.

The Clark family was already reeling from the loss of their home and belongings in the November 2022 tornado. Recognizing the Clarks' mounting struggles, dear friends Matt and Stephanie Hawkins decided to take action. Stephanie rallied the community, organizing a fundraiser that would prove to be a testament to New Boston's spirit of unity.

Charlie's deep roots in the community were evident. A 1983 graduate of New Boston High School, he had dedicated much of his adult life to serving the town. His roles included board member and coach for the New Boston Sports Association, a 20-year stint as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, volunteer firefighter, Chamber Director, and Pioneer Days Chairman. Mrs. Hawkins felt that it was time for New Boston to give back to Charlie, who had given so much of himself to the town he loved.

The response was overwhelming. The fundraiser was a resounding success, raising $18,000 for the Clark family and demonstrating the power of community support in times of need.

By May 2024, after surgery and extensive treatment, Charlie received the news he had been hoping for: he was cancer-free. Inspired by Charlie's journey, his co-worker, Andy Craytor, proposed a celebratory fundraiser - a Glow Walk for Cancer - to help with Charlie's ongoing medical expenses.

However, Charlie had a different vision. While deeply appreciative of the gesture, he felt the event should benefit not just him, but the entire community.

Moved by Charlie's selflessness, Andy agreed. Once again, Stephanie Hawkins stepped up, collaborating with family, friends, and community members to organize the inaugural 2024 New Boston Glow Walk: Let's Battle Cancer Together.

From that vision Charlie then set forward and founded a Let's Battle Cancer Together Foundation, a non-profit foundation that will raise money annually to be given as a scholarship to local schools and provide help for local families battling cancer.

This foundation now stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and community spirit in New Boston. It's a reminder that, even in the face of personal adversity, there's always an opportunity to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.