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YMCA of Central Massachusetts
Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Event
April 27, 2023–The YMCA of Central Massachusetts held their Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition event on April 26th at the Greendale Family Branch. Over 200 people were in attendance at the event to show their support for the wonderful volunteers who received awards in recognition of their work with the YMCA branches.
The evening included the transition of current Board Chair, Polly A. Tatum, Esq. to incoming Board Chair William Sullivan Jr. Polly, Bill and David Connell, President and CEO, led the annual meeting which was followed by volunteer recognition. Lilian Radke, President of UnicPro, Inc. was recognized with the Strengthening Foundations of Community Award. Mark Donahue, Esq. of Fletcher Tilton PC was presented with the YMCA’s most prestigious accolade, the George I. Alden Award. This award recognizes significant contributions that have made a lasting impact on our Association and the larger community. The YMCA was honored to give Mark this award for his volunteer leadership, expertise and passion for over 30 years.
The Volunteer Recognition Program began with volunteer capital campaign Co-Chairs, Jack Foley and Scott Grieco, proudly announcing the Worcester Community Capital Campaign and the theme Community Grows Here. This $5 million campaign has raised $4.1 million during the private phase of the campaign, with plans to raise the remaining $900,000 by year’s end. The Worcester Community Capital Campaign will build the necessary places and renovate spaces to provide the programs our community needs – like childcare, after-school initiatives, summer camp and teen programs. At the Greendale Family Branch projects will include both a Youth Innovation and Learning Development Hub as well as an “airnasium” – a large open but covered area for group exercise, sports, and celebrations. At the Central Community Branch, the outdoor area at Fuller Family Park will be renovated and modernized – it will be the place for children to have FUN on the playground and cool off on hot summer days in a new splash pad, playground, and performance venue. It will be a gathering spot for families in the Main South neighborhood for groups large and small.
The remainder of the evening was spent celebrating the outstanding volunteers who choose the YMCA as a place to share their time and talent. Additional award recipients included:
George Vasil Community Service Award Marita Tasse
Adult Volunteers of the Year Kreshnik Bushati, Jessica Clermont, Christine Croteau, Elizabeth Hackett and Barbara Metras
Youth Volunteers of the Year Nela Hardy, Celia Marichal, Jeremiah Opoku-Boateng and the Spring 2022 Leadership Academy Graduates
Diversity, Inclusion, Global Innovation Volunteers of the Year
The Bridging Over to Right Opportunities (BORO Program)
About the Y : With 6 locations, Worcester * Westborough * Leominster *Fitchburg *Southbridge Founded in 1864, and celebrating 157 years, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts is a charitable, cause driven, community-based service organization committed to strengthening the foundation of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Central Massachusetts is devoted to developing the spirit, mind and body of all people, regardless of age, race and income, through programs and activities guided by and based upon our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lori Bastien
Phone: 508.755.6101, x8230
Email: lb******@ym******.org
Annually, close to 70,000 men, women, and children will learn, grow and thrive through the six branches: the Central Community Branch in Worcester’s Main South neighborhood, the Greendale Family Branch in north Worcester, Leominster Community Branch in Leominster, Montachusett Community Branch in Fitchburg and the Boroughs Family Branch in Westborough, Tri-Community Branch in Southbridge and through other off-site camps and program centers. www.ymcaofcm.org
