In the 3+ years that I’ve shared these messages with you, we’ve covered quite a bit. I shared stories about family and friends and recounted countless experiences that I’ve witnessed in our Ys and program areas. And as we draw close to the end of 2024, I continue to be humbled by the goodness that happens in our Ys.
Just last week at the Leonard & Marjorie Williams Family Y Jingle Jog event, a lady paused in front of me to take a selfie next to a mile marker. She was so proud of her accomplishment as she shared that this was her first 5K event.
The pride on this new runner’s face reminded me how we, as Y staff, can easily get hijacked by the YMCA crises of the day – power outages, closed pools, leaky roofs, and the fitness center A/C system that only goes out when the temperature is 98 degrees outside.
Despite the internal curveballs that we manage across six counties, there are so many firsts that are happening in our Ys that are often untold:
- A toddler at the Downtown Y who floated confidently for the first time in our Safe Start program.
- The Lake Nona Y girls' volleyball team, celebrating their first win together.
- A senior at the Wayne Densch Y finding joy and friendship in Ms. Dee’s line-dancing class.
- Teens at J. Douglas Williams Y exploring the possibilities of their new teen center.
- A cancer survivor at the Roper Y’s LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program embracing the start of a new chapter.
It’s these firsts that act as the wind in my sail and tell the story of our Y. So as I close, I’ll share a few numbers that also tell the story of our impact and reach for the entirety of 2024.
- Welcoming 85,000 members, a 6,000-member increase!
- Empowering 23,000 young athletes through sports.
- Supporting 2,500 children in our early learning centers.
- Teaching 11,000 people life-saving swim skills.
- Partnering with 3,500 donors who believe in our vision.
In one way or another, you have been a part of this story in 2024. THANK YOU for entrusting us with your children, your wellness, and/or your philanthropy. I pray that you all have a blessed holiday season and I look forward to seeing you in our facilities in the new year!
Until next time…
Kevin Bolding, President & CEO
YMCA of Central Florida
The Y. For a better us.®
First Friday messages offer a monthly peak behind the veil of leading through change from the Y’s President & CEO.