In October, we honored Barbara Roper and her late husband Bert for their incredible generosity in establishing the Roper YMCA Family Center in Winter Garden. It was also a chance to recognize Barbara’s groundbreaking leadership with the Y.
In addition to serving on our YMCA Metro Board for several decades, Barbara made history in 1990 when she was elected as the first female chair of the Y-USA board. She continues to serve with distinction on our Executive, Mission and Strategic Planning committees, as in many other endeavors.
We also recently mourned the passing of Mary Rumberger, a major champion of youth and and families at our Winter Park YMCA.
As a young mother looking for a positive place to raise her children, Mary joined the Winter Park Y in the 1970s and served on its board for many years.
She was also a member of the YMCA Metro Board and served on the Executive Committee until her passing. In 2004, she received the Y’s highest honor, the John Sterchi Award, which recognizes those who provide outstanding lifetime support to the Y.