LETTER: Croya, Rising Sun have acted generously for a decade

Jess Croya founded Rising Sun Youth Club, a Christian youth organization, in 2002 to help strengthen our youth physically, mentally and spiritually. Over the last 10 years, he has never been paid for the coaching in boxing or the mentoring he has done in Madison County. He has sacrificed time with his family and opportunities to make more money elsewhere so that he could mentor our youth, even helping them meet personal goals outside of class.

Mr. Croya and Rising Sun have provided a training opportunity many people in this county could not otherwise afford. Rising Sun (often subsidized financially by Mr. Croya) has paid the cost of participation in the Georgia State Games for 12 local youth — including equipment, hotel rooms and fees. For 10 years, kids have been given the opportunity to feel successful about themselves, to respect themselves, to accomplish something that is meaningful to them, often for the first time. He has prayed with the kids, talked to them about their struggles and victories and encouraged them to live with integrity and compassion. Jess Croya has spent the last 10 years talking to individuals and groups, local leaders, city councils, and yes, churches, trying to build support for the kids, to get them the equipment and additional services they need.

If you look at the finances involved, Rising Sun has raised $3,400 in the last two years. They pay $1,685 each year in insurance. In 2011, they held a fund-raiser for a local family in need. They fund-raiser brought in $400 and cost Rising Sun $2,000. In 2010 and 2011 they raised $2,300 and $1,300 that went straight to Toys for Tots as well as holding a can drive for the Madison County food pantry. They provide gloves and gear for students who can’t afford to buy their own. As stated above, they have paid to send 12 youth to the Georgia Games. In 2009, they sent three youth (nicknamed the Golden Boys by the press) to the Georgia Games. The total cost was a little over $1,600. Not only has Jess Croya never benefitted financially from any of this, but when Rising Sun could not afford to cover the costs involved, it is Mr. Croya who has repeatedly stepped in and paid what was needed.

To summarize, Jess Croya and Rising Sun Youth Club are accused of dishonest and greedy behavior. However, those accusations are totally inconsistent with the selfless service and integrity of the past 10 years. Considering his actions over the last 10 years, is it so hard to believe that Mr. Croya acted in good faith and is seeking only to continue the work he has already devoted so much time and care to?

I don’t think so.

Sincerely,

Jennifer L. Cantrell

Danielsville