Tim Jakel, Jr., a Midland native, has dedicated his career to fundraising for local nonprofits. Growing up in Midland, he experienced instability, moving frequently and spending time in a women's shelter. However, the after-school program at the Midland Boys & Girls Club provided consistency and support during his childhood.
Jakel's passion for nonprofit work stems from personal experiences with organizations that assisted his family. Currently, he serves as Director of Development and Donor Engagement for Casa de Amigos. He began volunteering with the Make-a-Wish Foundation while working as a marketing representative at My Community Federal Credit Union. "While I’ve always wanted to be involved in the Midland nonprofit community, I really didn’t know what that would look like until I started volunteering with the Make-a-Wish Foundation," he explained.
His grandmother Rafaela Vejar played a significant role in shaping his fundraising skills. "She never took ‘no’ for an answer and taught me to do the same!” Jakel recalled.
Despite initially pursuing football at Midland High School, an injury led him to enroll at Midland College instead. He worked full-time while attending night classes and later graduated with an associate degree in Business. Jakel continued his education online at Colorado State University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree majoring in Business Marketing.
His professional journey includes roles such as Senior Development Manager for Distinguished Events with the American Cancer Society's Midland Chapter. "Working at the American Cancer Society enabled me to learn in-depth about fundraising and donor stewardship," he noted.
In 2019, Jakel coordinated the Cattle Baron's Ball gala which raised nearly $1 million. Although plans to exceed this amount were halted by COVID-19, he later achieved success as Development Director for the Boys & Girls Club of the Permian Basin by raising over $1.4 million with entertainer Jay Leno's help.
Earlier this year, Jakel accepted his current position at Casa de Amigos after recommendations from community members. Within months of joining, he helped raise over $160,000.
Outside work commitments include family life with wife Courtney and their four children along with leisure activities like basketball games often played alongside brother Michael at the local YMCA—a nonprofit organization close to Jakel’s heart too: “I’ll always be in the nonprofit sector,” said Jakel adding further importance on volunteerism within these essential institutions: “Without amazing volunteers...these beautiful organizations that help so many people would not exist."
Midland College offers numerous programs supporting students through its Welcome Center providing general information about available opportunities across various fields or interests they might pursue academically thereon forward!