Bob Darling, co-owner of Darling Homes, is awarded the President's Call to (Service) Award for service with Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County

McKinney, Texas, January 19, 2006 - Robert (Bob) C. Darling, McKinney resident and Collin County business leader, builds strong foundations for residents across Collin County and surrounding areas every day. Executive vice president of Darling Homes, a family-owned home construction business headquartered in Frisco, Darling understands these strong foundations are vital to the success of the construction projects he completes. He also understands active community service builds strong foundations of a greater kind. This attitude - and over 15 years of community service with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County (BGCCC) - has earned him national top honors.

The President's Call to Service award is presented to individuals who complete 4,000 hours of community service over their lifetime. Darling exceeded this requirement by actively supporting the BGCCC at each of its five locations in McKinney, Frisco and Plano. The award is the highest recognition for community service a civilian can receive.

"I am humbled by this national award mostly because my wife, Joy, and I do not do community service for recognition," Darling said. "It is, however, a wonderful way to let other people know how important service is and how much it means to our communities."

The President's Call to Service award is sponsored through the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, an organization created by President Bush in 2003 to honor the valuable contributions volunteers are making across the country and, through their actions, inspire other Americans to volunteer their services.

"Without significant help from the private sector, many nonprofits would fall by the wayside," Darling said. "There is a need in every community for people who make a living there to help others less fortunate in that community."

Darling's service with BGCCC includes serving for 12 years on the Board of Directors, two years as Board Chair, as well as construction and renovation of buildings at the Frisco and McKinney branches.

"I was recruited in 1993 to oversee the 1995 McKinney branch building expansion and additions, and actually ended up building the Craig Physical Education building, which is currently the administration office in McKinney," Darling said.

Darling and wife, Joy, are also inaugural members of the Jeremiah Milbank Society, a group that recognizes individuals who donate $10,000 or more to the BGCCC for unrestricted program support.

Why does Darling spend so many hours with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County?

"Our entire organization [Darling Homes] is serious about community involvement," Darling said. "I have seen the BGCCC get hundreds of at-risk children off the streets and into a positive environment teaching responsibility, character development and education. This keeps them away from negative peer pressure."

"For 15 years we have had the honor to have Bob as a part of our organization and to recognize him for his amazing support for our kids," Christina Alford, BGCCC chief executive officer, said. "He has twice been our local Volunteer of the Year in both 2000 and 2004, so for Bob to be nationally recognized by President George Bush is extremely well-deserved."

Darling was formally presented the President's Call to Action award by Janine Turner, actress and presidential appointee to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, during the 2006 BGCCC Chrysalis Ball in October.

Along with his brothers and co-owners Bill and Steve, Darling Homes is celebrating its 20th anniversary in business this year. What started with the Stonebridge Ranch community in McKinney has grown into numerous communities throughout Collin County and Houston.

Aside from the BGCCC, Darling is an officer and a founding board member of Rebuilding Together Collin County (formerly Christmas in April), responsible for lightly rehabbing more than 100 homes over the past nine years. Joy also participates in the Collin County Community on Aging, where she delivers Meals on Wheels to elder citizens.

"After you make that first step as a volunteer, there's no turning back," Darling said. "It is an amazing feeling to see positive results of your efforts."

About the President's Call to Service award
For more information on the President's Call to Action award or the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, go to www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

About Robert (Bob) C. Darling
Bob Darling was born and raised in Tucson, AZ along with his sister, Nancy, and two brothers, Bill and Steve. Bob moved to Texas in 1987 to begin Darling Homes with Bill and Steve, who were already in the Dallas area. He and wife, Joy, have three children and one grandchild.