Our Volunteers Make the Y Go 'Round~
Heathsville, VA June 8, 2010: There has been a lot of activity surrounding the Northumberland Family YMCA this year. Although much of the attention has been given to its $2.8M capital campaign, the local Y has also achieved several milestones in the past 12 months.
Staff and volunteers have not only been working hard on the facility project, but they have also been expanding the program and volunteer base of the organization. By the end of 2009 program participants had nearly doubled over the previous year, and more than 100 volunteers had logged 2,530 hours of service through programs and fundraising efforts. "The growth we've seen over the past year is tremendous," said Cristian Shirilla, Branch Director. "We have a very strong Board of Management and excellent staff who work every day to engage the community."
Throughout 2010 volunteers and staff have been recognized in various ways for their efforts. During the Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA's annual dinner, held in Hampton, VA earlier this year, three volunteers were recognized for their work and dedication. Karen Curry was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for the Northumberland Family YMCA for her leadership as event chair for the annual 'Young at Heart' Dinner Auction, which raised more than $50,000 in 2009; Beau Rose was recognized as Teen Volunteer of the Year for his work during the 2009 Day Camp season; and Betty Hall was recognized by YMCA CEO, Danny Carroll as recipient of the Strong Communities Award for the association, for her leadership in the new facility project.
In addition, this past May, Branch Director Cristian Shirilla accepted an award on behalf of the Northumberland YMCA for 'Outstanding Development Work'. The recognition was given in Charlottesville, VA by the Virginia Chapter 25 Association for YMCA Professionals. "It was an honor to see our Y's name on the screen when it was announced," Commented Shirilla. "There were probably six other YMCA association's represented at the conference, and our Y was chosen. Our volunteers have much to be proud of."
Now and again, the hard working staff and volunteers pause to celebrate, and that's just what they will do this June 19 during the official Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new YMCA facility in Heathsville. The event will be held from 10-1 and the entire community is invited to attend with shovel in hand to participate in the ceremony.
Shirilla provided this final comment about the planned event. "Can you believe it? I can't wait."
If you are interested in volunteering for or supporting the Northumberland Family YMCA, contact their office at 580-8901.
