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!

Your YMCA Stories

Here's a testimonial from the Emma B. Howe Family YMCA:

On January 18, 2007, I went into the hospital with extreme chest pain. I had an artery on the right side of my heart that was closed 99% and a blood clot in that artery. The doctor put a stint in my heart. I was out of the hospital in two days. I have 13 grandchildren. I wanted to be here awhile longer for them. So I cut the portions I eat to half of what I was eating. I cut out fried foods and most animal products. The doctors said I should exercise three times a week.

I joined the YMCA in Coon Rapids and I joined the Silver Sneakers group. I exercise five days a week, three hours daily. Besides the benefit of the exercise, I have met a lot of outgoing, friendly peole. So far I have lost twenty-five pounds. My blood pressure and sugar count are normal, this is without taking medications. I still ahve some weight to lose, but I have no doubt I will lose the weight.

The YMCA has social functions for seniors that has also fulfilled a need for myself and my husband. The YMCA has enriched our lives! Seven months after my surgery, I started working part-tiome for the YMCA in maintenance. Thank you YMCA!

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!