"To be frank," says James McKay, enigmatic and beloved long-time member of the GVBL community, "I was skeptical" about the new center at first. James admits he is cautious and reserved, but those who know him well recognize that this quiet demeanor is due to his thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity. And his wife Marty - if you sit next to her at a basketball or soccer or baseball game - will have you doubled over with laughter. Together with their sons Nathanael (16) and Seth (14), they are just the kind of family you expect to find at GVCO: active, friendly, and involved.

 

James and Marty have lived in Paoli for over a decade, and James grew up in Berwyn and attended Radnor High School. James is a self-employed home and building appraiser and Marty is a nurse and safety officer and Johnson Matthey. Their sons attend GVHS and are in 10th and 9th grades.

 

A few years ago, the McKays wanted to make their home special for their two boys, so decided to build a basketball court in their backyard - complete with concrete pad and glass backboards. (Don't tell Keith Walsh or Gary Tariaiol, but many a rec team training session was held on that court before playoffs when GVBL was closed for practice!) That court, along with the three bases and pitching rubber nearby, made their home a magnet for neighborhood kids. Marty and James love having kids over (though you'll need to check your child's pockets when they come home from the McKays'... Marty is likely to have filled those pockets with candy and treats!)

 

The McKays first became involved with GVCO through winter GVBL, when James coached both boys' rec teams. Marty was always the team mom, and called each boy "Honey" and liberally doled out money to the players for the snack bar. James coached both boys in winter and summer ball through 8th grade and feels he gained more than he gave. What they love about GVBL is what they know will be present at the new center: community. Seeing kids, parents and grandparents coming together and being active together is the vision that they support.

 

In fact, knowing what GVCO will bring to our aging population is what inspired James and Marty to make their generous donation. James watched his own parents become increasingly isolated as they aged, and feels that our new center will be a lifeline for many Great Valley Seniors. Though James was initially skeptical, he is "thrilled I was so very wrong, and we are glad to help make it happen." Marty and James "tip our hats to the visionaries that saw this through." No, Marty and James, we tip our hats to you! It is because of people like you, McKay family, that this center will be built, and will thrive.