What Dick Brugger started grew over time into a profound body of work that poured from his heart.
So it was only fitting that Brugger, the driving force behind one of South King County’s most successful youth and family service agencies, was honored for his work on the morning before Valentine’s Day.
“Wicked. I can’t believe this,” said the 79-year-old Brugger, the influential founder and former inspirational leader of Auburn Youth Resources. “I’m totally honored. I’m so thrilled. I don’t know what to say.”
Brugger, the agency’s executive director from 1976-1997, was praised for his work during a special ceremony at the 18th AYR and Enumclaw Youth & Family Services Valentine Breakfast.
The benefit drew an estimated 600 guests to Grace Community Church early this morning.
City officials proclaimed Feb. 13, 2009 “Dick Brugger Day.”
Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis bestowed the honor on the former Catholic priest, who is also an accomplished poet.
“Dick has done so much for so many people,” Lewis said. “He has touched so many lives. You will always be the poet of Auburn.”
King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer also presented a proclamation of appreciation to the Auburn man primarily responsible for establishing, building and guiding AYR to prominence.
In addition, the AYR’s main building at 816 F St. S.E. will be renamed the Dick Brugger Building, said Jim Blanchard, AYR’s executive director.
“The man is AYR. He has done so much for this community,” Blanchard added. “Many of the programs he established back then are what we use today.”
Brugger was a strong voice and determined director during its formative years.
In 1973, a small group of concerned parents, educators and government leaders began to organize an effort to address the growing problem of drug use among Auburn’s youth.
But it wasn’t until 1976, when Brugger came aboard, that the agency took shape. It began humbly, survived trying financial years during its infancy, but eventually took root and prospered.
AYR began 33 years ago with four employees and a $35,000 budget. Today, it employs a staff of 85 and operates under an annual budget of $3.8 million.
The community-based nonprofit agency, funded by United Way and King County, specializes in family counseling and emergency housing. It is the lead agency in a South King County teen pregnancy program, and is a strong part of a network of youth service bureaus helping youth and their families in the area.
A volunteer board of directors governs AYR, and funding from city, state, county and federal governments, third-party reimbursements, service fees, corporations, foundation grants and private donations support it.
During Brugger’s leadership, AYR began the first outreach, emergency shelter and residential programs for homeless and abandoned youth in the area. Later, through a collaborative effort with the city of Federal Way, AYR established a drop-in center near the SeaTac Mall for youth in need of shelter and protection.
It was Brugger’s insight into the community that helped AYR become a proactive agency, responsive to the needs of families and youth in crisis.
The outreach efforts soon spread. An agency now operates in Enumclaw.
“He’s the engine who supplied the power to this agency,” said Kim Anardi, AYR board member.
Born in Pipersville, Pa., a community of 200 people north of Philadelphia, Brugger was the youngest of four sons of German emigrants.
Brugger’s father, Franz, ran an inn. He was expected to follow in the family business, so he earned a degree in hotel administration from Penn State University.
But Brugger eventually had a change of heart. Considerable soul searching led him to enter the order of the Franciscan Friars of Atonement in 1955. He went on to earn master’s degrees in philosophy and theology, and was ordained to the priesthood at age 34.
If not for the prohibition against priestly marriage, Brugger would still be a priest. In 1975, he met Cecilia (Lela), a church counselor and a woman 15 years his junior.
Brugger decided to leave the priesthood after 21 years, but never lost the faith. He remains a Catholic.
He married Cecilia. They raised two children.
Now in retirement, Brugger continues to write poetry and perform readings. He also has been busy writing his memoirs.
“I have had a blessed life,” he said.
Reporter Robert Whale contributed to this story.
To learn more about AYR, visit www.ayr4kids.org
