Fred Friswold - A Hero for the YMCA!

Fred Friswold, Chair of the YMCA's Commitment to Community Capital Campaign and a longtime YMCA volunteer, was recognized yesterday as a YMCA Community Hero.

Fred is pictured at left with Harold Mezile, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis.

Robie Wayne, Senior Vice President of Financial Development, reviewed the many contributions that Fred has made to the YMCA. "Fred is being recognized for his extraordinary dedication, passion and tireless efforts in our current Commitment to Community capital campaign which is at 80%, but also his continual advocacy for the development of kids and getting skills for life.

"As Fred so enthusiastically proclaims, 'It’s the Kids that keep me going. It’s exciting to know that kids coming into the world may have it a little easier.' Please join me in recognizing Fred for his significant contributions to the perpetuation of our YMCA mission!"

As a sign of appreciation, Fred was presented with the “official” Community Hero jacket and certificate. Our wishes to Fred were that he might always wear the jacket proudly!

A YMCA "Mission Moment"

The following story comes to us from one of our Andover YMCA employees. It shows again the impact that the YMCA can have on an individual life:

I recently signed up a single mother and her five children on a family membership through our scholarship program. About a week later I had just finished a fantastic swim workout and was in the locker room when a young boy approached me and said, "Hey, I know you." This startled me because most people don't recognoize me when I am not in the red shirt. I asked him how he knew me and he said, "You're the guy who helped out my family. I have wanted to come here for so long but never could and now I can come here and have fun at the Y all because of you." I told him it wasn't just me, it was everybody here at the Y and all the people who donated money to us. He asked me to thank everyone for him and his family. So, if you've made a donation to Y-PARTNERS, this young boy and his family say THANK YOU! If you haven't made a donation this year, I wish you could have seen his smile.

Downtown YMCA Recognizes Community Hero Lyman Demaray!

Lyman Demaray, a longtime volunteer for the Downtown Minneapolis YMCA, was recognized as the branch's Community Hero at a special appreciation luncheon held on April 15.

Cassie Rood, Executive Director of the Downtown YMCA, read the citation accompanying the presentation:

"After years of serving on our Community Board, Lyman continues to give many hours each year to help the Downtown YMCA with fundraising. Each year Lyman builds relationships with a large number of our donors, and this year he volunteered to help us with our Capital Campaign as well. He is always willing to call additional people each year, and he takes great pride in his connections with people. We are very thankful to have someone like Lyman who is so willing to donate his time and resources each year. We don’t know what we would do without him!"

Lyman's years of service to the YMCA demonstrates the impact a person can make in the community. The Community Board members and Downtown Y employees who gathered to honor him demonstrates the impact he has made on the Y. Lyman brings together people from many different areas and lifestyles, working together for the success of the YMCA and its core values - building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

Lyman Demaray: portrait of a YMCA Community Hero!

Kara Kulda - Northwest YMCA Community Hero!

Kara Kulda was recently presented with the Community Hero award by the Northwest YMCA.


Kara is shown at the presentation ceremony with (left to right) Christa Getchell, VP of Financial Development, Greg Voss, Executive Director of the Northwest YMCA, and Krista Danner, formerly Financial Development Specialist and now Executive Director of the Ridgedale YMCA.

In making the presentation to Kara, Greg pointed out the many ways that she has contributed to the success of the Northwest Y. "Kara currently serves as our ’08 Y Partners Chair. She consistently displays high energy and enthusiasm and a passion for our Y Partners program. She makes herself available for presentations, Y Partners stories and Community Board and Committee reports. She has personally made a large number of Y Partner solicitation calls, and is a true champion for Y Partners in her community, at her workplace, and through her program participation at the YMCA!"

Congratulations, Kara - another YMCA Community Hero!