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!

Community Hero Sheila Oliver on FOX9

Last week FOX9 Vice President Sheila Oliver was named a Community Hero by the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis. Sheila has been tireless in her support of the Y, and in her leadesrhip of the citywide Y Partners campaign. And to top it all off, the presentation was featured on FOX9's 5:30 news.

You can see the presentation at the FOX9 website by clicking here. And thanks again to Sheila, a deserving Community Hero!

Above: Community Hero Sheila Oliver (center), with Minneapolis YMCA President and CEO Harold Mezile and VP of Financial Development Christa Getchell.

Tim Hyde, YMCA Community Hero!

We're pleased to present Tim Hyde, the most recent YMCA Community Hero!

Tim is the Promotions Director at KFAN AM-1130 and was instrumental in the establishment of the KFAN/YMCA Celebrity Poker Tournament. The inaugural tournament was held last August 11th at Canterbury Park.

(And let's take a moment here to point out what a terrific event last year's tournament was. The FAN was well represented in the tournament with the like of Paul Allen, Chad Hartman, Dan Barreiro, Mike Morris, Sludge, Tenna-B, Phil Mackey, the Common Man Dan Cole and many others. Former Minnesota Timberwolves player and current front office member Fred Hoiberg joined in the fun. Fellow listeners and poker players came out to play and support the event. It was the "Battle for the Golden Bracelet" Great prizes were awarded and a good time was had by all.)

In making the presentation, Robie Wayne, Senior Vice President of Financial Development, praised Tim for his involvement with the YMCA. "Tim is typical of the people we work with here at the YMCA - people who want to make a difference, and who want to give back to the communities we serve. We are so very pleased to have Tim and KFAN on board with the Y, and we look forward to continuing our partnership."

Tim has been at The FAN for 5 years, beginning as a promotions intern and through hard work (and, he added with typical humility, surrounding himself with great people) moved up to Promotions Director.

For him, the the partnership between KFAN and the YMCA was a natural. He recalled as a child that many neighborhood kids were highly involved with YMCA activities. "It's all about reaching out and helping kids and a great organization that is the YMCA," he said. "We look forward to organizing the Celebrity Poker Tournament again in 2009."

Thanks again to Tim Hyde - a true YMCA Communty Hero!

Jolee Molitor - Andover Community Hero!

Jolee Molitor received the Andover YMCA’s Community Hero Award at this morning’s Andover YMCA Community Board Meeting. Jolee joined the Community Board last winter, and proceeded to jump right in to Chair Andover’s Y Partner’s Wine Tasting event. This “Signature Event”, held on October 24th, attracted over 140 participants and netted over $11,000 in support of Andover’s Y Partner’s campaign. Jolee facilitated the efforts of 7 volunteers as Chair of the event.

Jolee’s commitment to the Andover YMCA, and Y Partners, became even more evident when she volunteered to Chair the event again in ’09!!

Thank you, Jolee for your dedicated service to the YMCA!!

Pictured from left to right: Raquel Berg (community board chair), Jolee Molitor and Greg Voss (Executive Director)

Jim Cook - Blaisdell Community Hero

The Blaisdell YMCA celebrates Jim Cook as this week's Community Hero. Cook (pictured in the middle, with Blaisdell Executive Director Mike Melstad, left, and John Meegan, Vice Chair of the Community Board, right), a member of the Community Board for three years, has been a pivotal volunteer for his neighborhood Y.

"Anything that needs fixing, Jim can find a solution," says Mike Melstad, Executive Director of the Blaisdell Y. "Jim is the most known guy on the South side. He's a wonderful ambassador and he can always find the right path."

Jim retired as Director of the Sabathani Community Center in 2006, and is still building on the great relationships he developed during his nearly 30 years with that organization. His solid community connections have helped generate even more support for the Blaisdell Y. A member of the Y since 1980, Jim was more than willing and able to step into a board member role.

"It's because of my experience at Sabathani that I have developed relationships with people of means and people with needs," Jim explains. "I help them connect the dots. The Y is an important dot and a catalyst for building this wonderful community we all see."

Jim, a quintessential team player, assisted Blaisdell in meeting its 2008 Y-Partners goal of $143,300. These funds help the Blaisdell Y maintain its charitable mission of ensuring that no one is turned away from Y programs or services because of an inability to pay a fee. Dollars raised also support other Y initiatives designed to help kids, adults and seniors develop healthy spirits, minds and bodies.

John Meegan, Vice Chair of the Blaisdell Board, says Jim is a great example to other volunteers. "This has been the best board I ever served on and it's because the whole board is as committed and as high-caliber as Jim."

Community Hero Ron Ames!

Ron Ames is the Community Hero for the newly named River Valley YMCA in Prior Lake. Ron is a very active member of the Prior Lake YMCA steering committee and has been raising funds to build the new YMCA on the Shepherds Path property in Prior Lake.

“It is a real pleasure and privilege to work with such a fine man, such as Ron. He is motivated, dedicated and when Ron says, “Move!!” we all move. That is the kind of leader I love working side by side with,” states Christa Getchell, Vice President of Financial Development.

Congratulations Ron for being on the foundation level of changing lives and saving lives at the YMCA!!

Pictured: Ron Ames (right) with Harold Mezile (left), President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis, and Fred Friswold (center), Capital Campaign Chair

Ridgedale YMCA staff surprise Community Hero, Donn Wassink

We honor Donn Wassink as Ridgedale YMCA’s Community Hero!

Donn has served the past few years as a member of the Financial Resources Committee of the Community Board at the Ridgedale YMCA. His attention to detail, organization and ability to manage projects have been key to the success of our Y Partners Annual Support Campaign. Donn’s strong work ethic and great sense of humor make him a true pleasure to work with.

While Donn does not consider himself a fundraiser – the thousands of dollars that have come in because of him speak loudly! Thank you Donn for making an impact in the lives of so many in our community!

Bob O'Hara - Camp Menogyn Community Hero

Bob O'Hara is probably the most well-traveled Arctic canoer of the last generation. His canoe resume resembles the scroll of chemical ingredients Monsanto wants us to believe are in an orange. He has done all of the rivers with Menogyn Long Trippers several times. He frequently leads workshops on Far North expeditions and is the sought-after guru for all things regarding Canadian Wilderness Canoeing and logistic planning.

His home has a collection of beautiful Inuit art that is probably the best between Toronto and LA. And he shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for the arctic with an inspired educator's energy.

Each spring, Bob invites Menogyn Long Trip Canoe guides over to his home, feeds them dinner, then, after spreading Canadian Hydrographic 1:250,000 maps all over the floor, gets down with them to discuss the intricacies of each bend in the river, rise in elevation and historical site. Our campers learn of thousand-year-old Inuit tent rings, specific safety concerns about weather, high water and ice, find out who is in the town of Baker Lake, and discover what color pack is best to have in the Arctic. This priceless information lends quality and competency to our group leadership and adds so much to the enjoyment and education of our campers.

This month, Bob got at least a small token of our great appreciation for all he has done for Menogyn groups over the years by graciously receiving the YMCA Community Hero Award for Camp Menogyn. Our prodigious thanks to Bob for all his years of service to Menogyn, his passion for the preservation of the land and his enduring friendship with the native people of the area.

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!

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!