Friday, March 05, 2010
Pictures of the event can be found by clicking here.
Contact: Tom Van Deinse, CEO, 231-933-YMCA (9622), tvd@gtbayymca.org or Dave Eitland, Director of Development and Marketing, 231-933-YMCA (9622), dave@gtbayymca.org.
YMCA RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING PEOPLE
(Traverse City, MI) At the recent 2010 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards Banquet, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Board of Directors recognized the outstanding service of people in the advancement of the mission of the YMCA.
“Without the critical contribution of their time, talents, and treasure by 494 volunteers giving some 32,864 hours of service, we could not accomplish all that we do in our 65 different programs,” said Tom Van Deinse, CEO of our local YMCA. “It is like they have given us a donation of $665,496 or the estimated value of their service based on state and national standards. They truly aid us in our mission to put Judeo-Christian principals into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”
The Board of Directors was acknowledged for their service. Marc Judge and Lynn Schultz were named Board Volunteers of the Year. Tina Piotrowski was named Rookie Board Volunteer of the Year.
The YMCA was also pleased to acknowledge the service of volunteers of their “150 Club” who gave over 150 hours of service to the organization last year. New members recognized in this club are Greg Sherwin, Al Crocker, Doug Plumstead, Matthew Walton, and Jennifer Williams.
Greg Sherwin was named the 2009 Program Volunteer of the Year for his time and service as a volunteer Pop Warner Football and 3rd and 4th Grade Basketball Skills instructor.
Kelly Van Deinse won the 2009 Youth Volunteer of the Year for her time and service in the both the gymnastics program and the tennis program.
Rachel Ovalle won the Y Strong Kids Award for her leadership and skill on the YMCA gymnastics team.
The family of Roland and Rebecca Costello with their children Paige, Hope, Wyatt, and Luke received the Y’s Strong Family Award for their steadfast involvement in YMCA programs and model demonstration of YMCA values.
A Community Service Award was presented to the Experience Works program who have made a major impact on the YMCA by providing people willing to be trained in employment skills in YMCA programs. Experience Works has placed 5 people in this program at the Y.
Barb Beckett received the 2009 Strong Employee Award. She has been working for the YMCA for over 25 years and manages one of the largest adult and youth sports programs in Michigan.
On behalf of Traverse City Record Eagle, Publisher Michael Casuscelli, received the YMCA Strong Communities Award for outstanding service to the philanthropic community and charities in many ways through their publication.
Cherryland Electrical Cooperative and Nick Edson received the Y Community Philanthropy Award in recognition for their continual support of the YMCA and many charities throughout the rejoin in their “Cherryland Cares” program. Edson and Kim Pontius also were recognized for their leadership of last fall’s Invest In Youth Community Appeal. They and their volunteers were able to raise some $175,000 in community support for financial assistance scholarships so that no one is denied any of the great YMCA programs or memberships.
The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Annual Meeting was also held in conjunction with this volunteer recognition event. Denny Lauterbach, owner of Floor Covering Brokers of Traverse City, was elected to the Board of Directors.
CEO Tom Van Deinse reported on the challenging year and successful new initiatives in day care, lacrosse, marketing, membership, and the 2009 Turkey Trot. He further commented on the success of the gymnastics team receiving first place in the state at Level 5 and second place at Chicago’s “World’s Largest” International Meet. Van Deinse noted the Annual Corporate Advisory Committee luncheon under the great leadership of Paul Schmuckal increased attendance by 54% this year. He also elaborated on the progress of the building of the New YMCA on Silver Lake Road with new athletic fields for lacrosse, soccer, and football, and the new electronic sign.
Dave Eitland, director of development, reported on the public phase of the New Y Capital Campaign and the need for an additional $6.6 million to be given in donations over the next 12 to 24 months to begin facility construction. “The generosity of people, companies, and foundations in our region continues to be truly amazing as we near our goal of building the New Y in the near future,” said Eitland.
The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA builds strong kids, strong families, and strong communities as evidenced by its outstanding volunteers and award recipients who give of themselves to changes lives for the better in our region.
