West Suburban YMCA Holds 2007 Annual Report to the Community
West Suburban YMCA holds 2007 Report to the Community
On Wednesday, May 28, 2008, the West Suburban YMCA hosted its 130th annual Report to the Community and celebrated its successes over 2007. West Suburban YMCA President & CEO, Pat Palmer, also presented recognition awards to five hard-working YMCA staff and dedicated volunteers.
After premiering a DVD that showcased the YMCA's accomplishments throughout 2007, Pat Palmer welcomed the group and thanked everyone for their support and kindness. He shared a heart-wrenching story of two young brothers the YMCA has helped to reiterate how the YMCA impacts the lives of the families it serves.
Special guest speaker, Sonia Garay, also shared her story. She immigrated to the US to make a better life for her and her daughter. Unfortunately, she went through some very difficult times, but she came out stronger with the help of the YMCA. Sonya thanked the YMCA and its donors for providing her with after-school care for her young daughter. Knowing her daughter was in a safe place allowed her to look for work so she could support her small family. Today, she and her daughter are safe and happy. She is working and plans to attend college in the fall.
During the evening, the five staff members and volunteers were recognized and celebrated. Rocco Donohue received Teen Citizen Award. Rocco has been a part of the YMCA since he was a toddler and now works in the Sports Department. The Stephen P. Annesi Youth Award went to Cameron Tabatabaie, who was a wonderful role model at Camp Chickami as a Junior Leader and now works in the Y's Live Y'ers After School Program. This year's Adult Volunteer Award went to Brad Hammer who went above and beyond the typical coach duties of the Y's Youth Basketball program. He coached an all- girls team and provided extra guidance to help the girls succeed. The Bob Groden Y Employee of the Year Award went to Renee Gaudette. As director of the Sports Department, Renee has shown incredible leadership and vision. In less than one year, the Y's New Balance Track & Field is almost booked all summer long, the adult and youth leagues are filling up, and the camping program has doubled. This year's recipient of the Board Volunteer Award, Gretchen Friend, has been involved with the Y for over 25 years and has been a vital member of the Board. All the award winners exhibit the YMCA's four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
In addition, Patrick Kaltenbach received the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, which honors young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. Patrick organized a volunteer effort to send nearly 40,000 bags of popcorn to U.S. military personnel stationed overseas.
Current members and officers of the Board of Directors-Laura Pappano, Chair; David Carroll, 1st Vice Chair; Mark DiGiovanni, 2nd Vice Chair; Sandra Butzel, Clerk; Bud Gartland, Treasurer-were re-nominated and will continue to contribute to the boardThe West Suburban YMCA thanked all of its members, donors and volunteers their participation and dedication to the Y. Without the community support, the YMCA could not enrich people's lives with its programming and facilities.