Qwest Announces Support of YMCA Beacons

On Tuesday, February 3rd, Qwest presented the YMCA of Metro Minneapolis a check for $7,500.00 to support the YMCA Beacons sites in leadership development. Six Qwest employees, from all aspects of the business, including line workers and the main office, attended a short check ceremony and a went on an extensive tour of the Beacon sites.

Employees interacted with youth and shared their job responsibilities, years of service, and personal testimonies on the importance of graduating, looking for career opportunities in areas where your passion lies, and the importance of volunteering in your community.

Needless to say, Qwest and the Beacons students had a terrific and memorable time together!!

Thank you John Stanoch, President of Qwest and Minneapolis General Board member, for supporting community service and financially supporting the local community.

Operation Holiday Basket 2008

First of all, a Happy New Year to all of you from all of us here in the Financial Development Department. We wish for the best for you and your family in 2009.

You may remember a piece we did last year on Operation Holiday Basket, a community service project held at the Hiawatha YMCA. We wanted to give you an update on that program, which had its 39th edition on December 19 of last year. About 300 needy families received a turkey meal basket, courtesy of our corporate supporters Cub Foods and SuperValu.

In the picture at left, you can see some of the volunteers gathered at the Hiawatha YMCA, ready to provide a helping hand for those in need. As Gedric Merritt, an Intervention Specialist with the YMCA, put it, "I love helping folks."

Below, we offer a couple of pictures demonstrating the scene at the Y, as volunteers prepare to assemble the baskets of donated food. In looking at this, one is struck not only by the dedication of the volunteers, but by the generosity of those who donated to this cause.

Once again, we offer our appreciation to our corporate partners, and to all those who gave freely of their time and efforts to make Operation Holiday Basket a success once again!

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)

Taryn Buehring - A Giant YMCA Hero!

The Northwest YMCA has chosen Taryn Buehring as it's Community Hero! Taryn has volunteered for the Licensed Childcare once a week for many years without fail! He really knows how much the staff and kids appreciate his help at the end of the day when the kids are preparing to go home and staff is done for the day. He always has a positive attitude and really has a love for the Y and the lives it touches. He has also become very involved in the Y Partners and Capital Campaign over the past couple of years as well. Says Stephanie Thomas, interim Executive Director at the Northwest Y, "We love his sense of humor and positive spin he puts on all that he is involved with. Taryn will always make time for the Y and helps raise the funds needed to continue to support our community."

Once again, hats off to Taryn Buehring - a real Community Hero!

(Pictured: Taryn and friends)

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

Steve Wells - Emma B. Howe Community Hero

Steve Wells was presented with the Emma B. Howe YMCA Community Hero award by branch Executive Director Chad Lanners.

Steve adds his YMCA work to an impressive life of community service. A 30-year veteran of the Coon Rapids police force, Steve is current Coon Rapids Police Chief. Steve is an active Volunteer with the Emma B. Howe Y Partners Campaign and Capital Campaign. He donates both financially and physically. Steve also helps out with many special branch events.

Steve is not only a Board Member at the Emma B. Howe Family YMCA, but is the Chair of the Board Development Committee. He also is an active participant on the Executive Committee. Steve is a key contact to community networking.

He and his wife have two kids, Matt and Kristen, and Kristen actually works at the Andover YMCA. Way to keep it in the family, Steve!

Steve epitomizes the hard work and dedication shown by our YMCA community leaders and volunteers. Thanks once again, and congratulations to Steve Wells, a YMCA Community Hero!

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!

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!

Jerry Hatzenbuhler, YMCA Camp Warren Community Hero!

“Jerry is a valuable member of the Camp Warren community due to his on-going commitment to developing the camp program” stated YMCA Camp Warren Executive Meghan Cosgrove. Jerry’s relationship with Warren began as a family camper but has grown in to much more. Jerry and his wife Laura have given back to the community through Y Partner calling nights and by assisting their son, Alex, with an Eagle Scout project focused on path restoration along the waterfront of Half Moon Lake.

Additionally, Jerry is filled with ideas for program improvements and has brought the Scouts up to Camp in the off-season for snow sport adventures at Giant’s Ridge.

Cosgrove and Devin Hanson, YMCA Camp Warren Assistant Director presented Jerry with the YMCA Community Hero Award.

Jerry is perhaps best known for his songs and jingles, which the family performs during Skit Night over Labor Day Family Camp…”Jerry…. Jerry…this is why we honor you!”

Danielle Radulovich - An Emma B. Howe YMCA Community Hero!

Danielle Radulovich was presented with the Emma B. Howe Community Hero award at a meeting in February.

Danielle chairs the Community Relations Committee for the Emma B. Howe Family YMCA. Danielle designed, implemented and facilitated the success of the second Emma B. Howe Gala Event. Danielle is an active volunteer for our Branch contributing both generously in person and through her company. She is an inspiration and role model to our other volunteers.

Danielle exemplifies what it means to be a YMCA volunteer - committed to the mission and the success of the YMCA, and dedicated to giving back to the community. We thank Danielle once again for her service to the Emma B. Howe Family YMCA!

Vic Ladda, YMCA Camp Ihduhapi Community Hero!

Vic Ladda is a familiar face at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi. He has volunteered in the Ihduhapi kitchen for over ten years. In the summer and busy times of the year he volunteers up to 35 hours a week. “He is an awesome cleaner” said YMCA Camp Ihduhapi Executive Brian Burns, “I often see him cleaning and detailing some of the difficult areas of the kitchen and dining hall. He is also an excellent repair man. He takes care of a lot of the equipment in our kitchen.”

Brian presented a surprised Vic with his Community Hero certificate and jacket at a gathering with many of his co-workers. When asked why the kitchen runs so smooth, “We have a great crew; everyone does their part.” Thank you Vic for volunteering at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi!

Kimberly Carter, Recognized as University YMCA Community Hero

Kim Carter was recognized as the University YMCA Community Hero at the January UY Board Meeting. As an alumnus of the U-Y, Kim has intimate knowledge of what the UY means to students and their leadership development. This year Kim took on the task of Y Partner Co-Chair and has worked to develop an advisory group for the annual campaign of other alumni. Working with this group Kim took the lead in developing the UY Birthday Bash to celebrate the University YMCA's 120th year in working with college students. The event was held on December 1st during our first winter snow storm and hosted over 120 participants who braved the weather to attend and had a great time.

Kim was relentless in seeking out donations, space, door prizes, raffle items and making enormous amounts of cupcakes for the 120th UY Birthday Party. Her creativity, excitement, energy was the key in this successful event. We thank Kim for all she does for the University YMCA.

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!

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.