Citation

Dave Chaney was born in Cincinnati. He moved to Cleveland at age 14. He has been with his wife for 22 years and married for 17 years. He has 3 children ages 13, 7, and 5 years.

Dave has been a resident of Valley City for 14 years.

He began volunteering his time over 10 years ago. His largest contribution to the community is his involvement in the Valley City Youth League. He started by coaching/managing his daughter's tee-ball team. Since then, he has coached each one of his children and currently is coach for both his son's teams.

He has been President of the Baseball Youth League for the past 8 years. In those eight years he has initiated many positive changes in the league.

Along with other volunteers, he has initiated an annual fundraiser for the Youth League. The Night at the Races has brought in much needed funding for the league. Many hours are needed to organize this event and the proceeds are used for field maintenance and league supplies.

Dave also assisted in organizing an annual parent/coach appreciation day cookout at the end of every baseball season. Last year, nearly 300 parents, coaches and children attended.

His contributions to the Youth League come with a price. He literally donates hundreds of hours a year, none of which is he paid for. His selfless contributions often take time away from his home and family responsibilities.

Dave has a very strong commitment to community service. When asked why he is so passionate about his community he always responds with the same statement: "I do this for the kids, not just mine, but for all kids".

He also participates in the Youth Football League. He was an assistant football coach for his son's team 2 years ago and when asked to be the manager/coach of last years team, of course, he accepted the responsibility.

He is seen as a community leader through the eyes of many.. This year he was asked to assist the School Board as part of a task force to create better channels for communication to the community. He, of course, looked at this as an honor and participated when asked.

Dave is also involved in Boy Scouts as an Assistant leader for his son's den.

He volunteers his time every year to help set up the Frog Jump and is one of the elite members of the coveted frog catcher's squad that faithfully hunts rental frogs for the jump.

Lastly, Dave's family would like to personally mention his devoted pledge to them. He lives next to his mother and father-in-law, and spends countless hours helping with their home maintenance. He often does so without ever being asked. You can ask his mother-in-law how she feels about him and she will always say: "He is more like my son then my son-in-law".

Please join me in congratulating our 2008 Person of the year, Mr. Dave Chaney.