Posted on Jul 31, 2016 in
COLUMNS
Marilyn and Bob Ewing.
By Joan Frances –
Fort Bend County is privileged to have residents who take time out of their busy lives to invest in helping to make the world a better place to live. Great minds combine forces to assist the less fortunate and improve their quality of life. These difference makers spend countless hours generously giving their time, resulting in tangible outcomes and undeniable gratitude. Bob and Marilyn Ewing are two such heroes.
Bob and Marilyn have been married for 53 years and have two sons, Brad and Rodney, and one grandson, Tim. After living in Stafford, Indianapolis, Indiana and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, they made their home in Richmond in 1986 and initially became involved in The Arc of Fort Bend County, a community-based organization that advocates and serves people with disabilities and their families, to help Rodney.
To further support the organization’s purpose and growth, Bob joined the board of directors for Oyster Creek Industries, an early sister organization of The Arc of Fort Bend, and Marilyn helped at the Arc gift shop at First Colony Mall. As time progressed, Bob became involved in The Arc of Fort Bend County Foundation, where programs such as Special Olympics, job training and rehabilitation are an active part of the daily curriculum. Together, Bob and Marilyn have been involved in The Arc for over 15 years. Both volunteer at the Arc of Fort Bend’s annual Best in the West dance, a widely popular and successful fundraiser that was the first charity event in Fort Bend County. This year, the western dance anticipates 1,500 patrons will come out to support The Arc. Marilyn also volunteers at Texana Learning Center in Rosenberg and Special Olympics with Rodney.
Marilyn and Bob Ewing with some of the people they served in the small
village of Chevarrito located in north central Guatemala.
In addition to their devotion to The ARC of Fort Bend County, Bob and Marilyn are also actively involved in Faith in Practice, a non-profit, nondenominational organization that seeks to improve the physical, spiritual and medical conditions of the poor in Guatemala through short-term mission trips and health-related educational programs. These missions began in 1994 to help provide relief for Guatemalans in need of medical attention. Since 1999, Bob and Marilyn have joined other volunteers to spend weeks assisting doctors and serving the people. Bob has also served on the board of directors of Faith in Practice for a number of years, and Marilyn volunteers in the office.
Bob and Marilyn recently returned in April from their 86th mission trip to Guatemala with Faith in Practice. Bob recalled bringing an older gentleman a new walking cane. “The old man was using a cane cut from a tree limb, crooked, primitive and weak. When it was given to him, he gave me his stick in return. It is kept in the corner of the kitchen as a reminder of how fortunate we are, living in this country, and how much we take for granted every day. For these Guatemalan people, little gestures go a long way.”
Together, these two incredibly humble people continue to focus on what matters most: helping their fellow man. Thank you Bob and Marilyn for making this world a better place to live, one person at a time.
