Happy Thanksgiving!

Note from the President:

Dear ,

On October 28th, United Way's "Make a Difference Day," I had the honor of working side by side with a dedicated group of volunteers at our lovely YMCA Camp Winona. Each of these dedicated individuals was committed to helping keep Camp a safe and beautiful place for our community. I have now recovered from a long day of lifting cut up trees but the energy and dedication of that group remains with me and makes me proud to be part of this YMCA.

In reflecting on that experience I realized that we all have passions and interests that propel us to volunteer our time. Not only is this good for our soul, but recent studies have shown that people who volunteer are 42% more likely than those who don't volunteer to say that they are "VERY HAPPY" with their lives. What a great thought to hold onto as we move into the Holiday Season. As you are surrounded by your family and friends, take time to reflect and be thankful for your many blessings. Then reflect on how you can share those blessings with others that are not as fortunate.

My hope for you this Holiday Season is that you are truly "Very Happy!"

Sincerely,

Teresa Rogers

Mission Moment

The weekend of "Make a Difference Day" more than 30 adult and youth volunteers from the GE Volunteers and the Earth Service Corp. came out to YMCA Camp Winona in DeLeon Springs.

The GE volunteers apply for grant money from the GE Foundation to pay for the materials used in the projects they work on each year at Camp Winona. This year, Camp Winona received $1,600. The projects included building 4 picnic tables, a deck on the staff housing and cleaning up limbs and trees cut down by the Chainsaw Gang.

Thanks to everyone who came out to help make our wonderful resident camp even more beautiful. For more information about YMCA Camp Winona contact David Larrabee, Executive Director at 386-985-4544.

Dashing all the Weigh!

Do you tend to over indulge during the holidays like the rest of us? Well this holiday seaon the YMCA wants to help you! Join us as we go Dashing all the Weigh to the YMCA!

Join the Dashing all the Weigh fitness challenge November thru January at the YMCA nearest you to get a jump start on the holiday season and temptations.

Participation in the fitness challenge includes moral support, advice, holiday recipes, nutrition and fitness tips to you through the holidays.

At the end of the 10 weeks those who complete the challenge will be entered inot a drawing to win a prize.

Visit our holiday newsletter to get a jump on the temptations of the holiday season.

Congratulations to Kelly Ruf who submitted "The Bridge" as the winning submission of the YMCA's "Name the Newsletter" competition. Kelly is a lifeguard at the Deltona Family YMCA.

7th Annual Golf Tournament

December 8, 2008 the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA will host its 7th annual golf tournament sponsored by Bright House Networks at the beautiful Venetian Bay Golf Club.

The YMCA, a cornerstone of its communities, could not provide the services to children and families if it wasn't for the individuals and businesses in the community. The Y invites you to join us once again as we "Golf to Benefit Youth."

It's not too late to sign-up, but space is limited.

Click the link above for more information on how you can be part of this wonderful event.

- Tommy Striklin, Golf Tournament Chair & Owner of the Learning RX