Emma B. Howe YMCA Names Champion Donor and Volunteer of 2007

The Emma B. Howe Family YMCA is pleased to recognize ADC as our "Champion Donor" of 2007, and ADC employee Bill Walsh as "Champion Volunteer," honoring their continuing commitment to the YMCA.

ADC has been a Champion level donor, provided support of their employee as a board member, and granted the Sheridan Beacons Center a $10,000 technology grant for computers and software.

Bill is currently Vice President of the Community Board and has been a long-time board member. In addition, he has served as Y Partners campaign chair for three years, and has raised over $40,000 for the YMCA.

We congratulate ADC and Bill, and thank them once again for their dedication to the YMCA, and their commitment to the community!

Paul Wilson, Minnesota Valley YMCA Community Hero!

The Minnesota Valley Family YMCA was pleased to present Paul Wilson with a 2008 Community Hero Award on January 16th, 2008. Paul was presented with this award at the end of turbo kick class in front of his fellow exercise fanatics including his daughter and son-in-law. Paul is a member of the Community Board for the Minnesota Valley YMCA and has chaired the past two Y Partner Annual Support Campaigns successfully. “We appreciate the energy and passion Paul brings to the Minnesota Valley YMCA as a member, board member and volunteer,” said Executive Director Scott Peterson as he presented the award.

Paul’s volunteer experience runs deep in the Minnesota Valley community. He was a board member 10 years ago when the Minnesota Valley Family YMCA was first opened. Paul also chaired the successful Y Partner campaign to kickoff the grand opening of a full facility from a community branch. Paul took a break from the board to concentrate as a financial advisor for ING Financial Services. Paul recently received his Certified Financial Planner designation.

Paul and his wife Barbara are actively involved with Hosanna! Lutheran Church in Lakeville. Paul has also volunteered in multiple ministries at Hosanna! while Barb is a past congregation president. The YMCA’s Scott Peterson noted, “Paul brings a great attitude, perspective and passion to the YMCA in helping it serve the communities south of the river. We want to thank you Paul for helping with our commitment to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities every day.”

Andover YMCA Presents Valerie Holthus with Community Hero Award

The Andover YMCA presented Valerie Holthus of Andover High School with the 2008 Community Hero Award on January 11, 2008. Valerie is honored for her volunteer contributions to the Andover YMCA. Valerie Holthus has been a Andover YMCA Community Board member since the Andover branch opened in July of 2005. She has been active in the Y Partners Annual Support Campaign and has developed many partnerships in the community. Valerie was the Special Events Chair for the 1st Andover YMCA Wine Tasting & Silent Auction fundraiser held at the Courtyards of Andover this past November. Thanks to Valerie’s hard work and dedication the event was a tremendous success, netting over $6,000 and providing an opportunity for the community to come together and learn more about the YMCA . Valerie has worked with organizations such as the Timberwolves, WCCO Star Gazing and has volunteered for a number of Andover YMCA community events, such as the Andover Fun Fest and Harvest Festival. Valerie brings positive experiences and joy to many through her enthusiasm, passion, and dedication. We thank Valerie for her commitment to the Andover Community, the YMCA and the individuals, children and families we serve each day.

Ridgedale YMCA Tree Lot - Making a difference this holiday season in the life of a family.

A couple of weekends ago we had a number of folks visiting the Ridgedale YMCA tree lot “looking for a deal”. I was working with such a costumer who was trying to get me to come down in price on a $40 dollar balsam – she didn’t want to spend more than $20 bucks! She and her husband were both on the lot, they drove separately and it didn’t seem like the extra $20 should have been I big deal but I did come down to $30.

While haggling on the price of the balsam, I noticed a mom with two young boys drive up in a pretty beat up, rusty vehicle. She had been going from one small tree to the next checking the price tags that I knew ranged in from $48 to $56 dollars. I had just finished tying the $30 balsam on the top of the customer’s car when I saw the woman loading her boys back into her car.

I caught up with her just before she got in the car; I could see the boys looked pretty disappointed when I tossed out the questions, “couldn’t find what you were looking for?” She smiled and said, “well, it’s just all too much” – I think she was referring to the holidays. I suggested we give it another try and assured we would find something that she could take home. I could see from boys’ expressions that this was a deal mom was going to need to consider.

We headed back to the trees when the mom suggested that if there was just something smaller; they didn’t need much. With that I couldn’t help but grab one of the 6 foot balsams off the rack and said, “how about this one for $20 bucks?” The smiles on the two boys made up the difference and we had a deal.

As I loaded the tree the mother let me know how much she appreciated the affordable tree. I think in the eyes of her boys we were able to pull it off in a way that mom was able to buy a tree like every other family buys a tree.

The work that each of you do as volunteers, as staff, as members of the same community, makes a difference in the lives of so many. It is a caring adult in an after school program in Wayzata who helps a Minneapolis student with home work; it is financial assistance that allows a young man to regain mobility after a health crisis; it is the single mother who needs a safe and affordable activity in the summer for her son; it is a swim lesson given to a young Somalian girl that prevents her becoming part of a growing statistic.

Thank you for making a difference, for being a part of helping the YMCA build strong kids, strong families and strong communities… One Child, one Member, one Christmas tree at a time.