Ron Goldser - Downtown Community Hero!

The Downtown YMCA is proud to recognize Ron Goldser as Community Hero for February.

Until his retirement at the end of 2008, Ron was a lawyer at Zimmerman Reed, PLLP. He’s now enjoying a well-deserved break, but that hasn’t slowed down this member-since-2003 – he’s a regular at the Monday through Saturday morning classes.

A wine expert par excellence, Ron’s efforts on behalf of the Downtown Y’s 2008 “Wines of the World” gala were outstanding. “He brought this event to a premier level, and we couldn’t have done it without him,” says Cassie Rood, Executive Director of the Downtown Y.

In addition to his time and talent, he also gave generously to the 2008 Y Partners campaign at the Roundtable level, and also persuaded his firm to give at the same level! And his gift was the first Roundtable gift for 2009.

We appreciate Ron Goldser, Downtown’s February Community Hero!

Building a Downtown Community!

On June 25, 2008 at Joe’s Garage the Downtown YMCA showed people that it is more than just a fitness facility, by hosting the first annual “Wines of the World, the World of the YMCA” wine-tasting event. Proceeds raised went to support the YMCA’s mission to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Last year, the Downtown YMCA gave $280,000.00 in membership financial assistance, $22,000.00 in child care financial assistance and $5,000.00 in Youth leadership financial assistance.

What else did we do that night? A community was built- a community of new friends that share a common interest. Healthy people taking time to learn the names of people they see everyday. People who they may not have known have children, long hair or learned to swim at a YMCA. People they see now and can greet by first name. Relationships were taken to a new level…friendships with common interests were formed. A new swim partner, runner partner or coffee date. This was just a few of the things that happened that night.

A successful first annual “friend”raising event...we raised $17,000.00 + dollars. We raised awareness of the mission of the YMCA, and we built a community of philanthropy at the Downtown YMCA.

Please join us for our second annual Wine-Tasting event next year, June 25, 2009 from 4:30-8:00 p.m. at Joe’s Garage. I guaranteed this year’s event to be the event of the year and it was. I will guarantee it again for 2009! See you there!

"You are keeping me healthy mind & body"

Here is another life-affirming story of how the YMCA makes a difference. This is from a member at the Downtown Y:

I am a Polio survivor. Currently I suffer from Post-Polio Syndrome. I have been a YMCA member for the last 4 years. Once a year I go through a couple of very specific tests, namely EMG, MRI and CT Scans w/ contrast. My last was last week. Four years in a row the results came back indicating: No change. This is considered good, since the expectations are a decline in the Muscle & Nerve functions. My Neurologists contribute this to my continuous work outs either at the 5th floor gym or the pool, and to being highly motivated.

In fact, much of it is due to you, the staff at the Downtown YMCA. Machines, water, chlorine, etc are all almost the same at every health club facility. What differs are the management and the staff. Your heartfelt compassion and care dictated an open door policy without any structural obstacles. I always felt like I am part of your family. You are much open to any suggestion, idea or remark. The staff I deal with to name a few: Joe, Pat, Joel, Sam, Mike, Jason, Cassie and many others on the 2nd, 3rd & 5th floors. You are always cheerful, kind, thoughtful and compassionate. Your level of tolerance is exceptional. Trust me; you are keeping me healthy mind & body. You have a gift: Care & Kindness. Thanks a million Cassie. Thanks a million Jason. Thank you ALL.

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!