Eric Boland is a longtime community volunteer, this year serving as the co-chair (along with WCIA morning show host Anne Dill) of the Ready. Set. GROW! expo event on April 2 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lincoln Square. This free community event is organized by the United Way and is a great resource for families with children aged birth to 6. Boland is a certified financial planner who is one of the founding members of Provident Financial Group, LLC. He is married to wife Jill and they have two children – daughter Abby and son Trevor.
See why we think Eric Boland is a Chambana dad to know.
Q: Why have you volunteered your time with United Way over the years – and where do you find the time?
When my wife and I moved into town in 1999, I started volunteering with the United Way as a way to meet new people and become more familiar with the community. Over the years, I’ve realized how important it is to give back to the community in which you live. Thankfully, the great employees of United Way and the volunteers I’ve worked with have made it fun to continue. As far as making time, it’s just a part of what we do as a family. I’ve also been fortunate enough to schedule time throughout the workday – both with previous employers and now that I run my own business.
Q: Why should people come out to Lincoln Square in Urbana for Ready. Set. GROW! on April 2 (9 a.m. to noon)?
Ready. Set. GROW! is a wonderful resource for young and expecting families. We have dozens of partners willing to showcase resources the community has to offer. Information on Healthy Parenting and Early Childhood Development, Child Care and Well Being, as well as Parent-Child Interactions will all be available. You’ll also find lots of fun events throughout the mall, as well as plenty of prizes and giveaways.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about this year’s Ready. Set. GROW! event?
I can’t wait to see our local celebrities participate in the diaper changing contest.
Q: What other activity or event do you look forward to doing with your kids this spring and why?
I’m ready for baseball season to start again. I’ve been coaching little league the past three years, and I have a 6-year-old daughter who gets to try her hand at it this summer. She can’t wait to get started, and I’m excited for her. My son wants to get back out on the golf course – so of course dad is excited about that too.
Q: What’s your ideal date night with your wife?
Quiet dinner, bottle of wine, and barefoot on a warm moonlit beach. And the kids at the grandparents for the night!
Q: What does fatherhood mean to you?
Responsibility! I have two sets of eyes watching everything I do, everything I say, how I act, and how I treat people. They’ve helped me to become a better person. That, and making pancakes on Saturday morning!
Do you know a Chambana mom or dad to know? Send your nominations to editor@chambanamoms.com.