The YMCA of Central Florida wishes to honor the memory of Jim Hinson, Former President, CEO, and Chairman of Dr. Phillips Charities, who recently passed away.
Hinson transformed Dr. Phillips Charities into one of the most generous local charitable organizations with the YMCA of Central Florida as its primary support agency.
The YMCA of Central Florida has benefited greatly from this generosity, as have countless other local arts, cultural, educational, health, and social service organizations.
Hinson had a special love for the Y and believed deeply in our cause and mission. Over the past three decades under his leadership, Dr. Phillips Charities has invested significantly in our Y association, thus enabling us to further our mission in Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
“Jim Hinson was a kindhearted, visionary leader who challenged our Y to think bigger and aim higher,” said Dan Wilcox, President/CEO of the YMCA of Central Florida. “In the history of our organization and community, Jim Hinson will be remembered as a true servant leader who brought people and organizations together in service to others. His legacy will live on at the Y and in the lives of the more than 235,400 children, families, and seniors we serve each year.”
Over the years, Dr. Phillips Charities has invested more than $41.8 million in the Y of Central Florida. In addition to funding capital projects at numerous YMCA Family Centers, this generosity has also enabled the Y to go into ─ and remain ─ in fragile communities like Pine Hills, Tangelo Park, Titusville, and Kissimmee -- where Y programs and services are needed the most.
One of Jim’s greatest pride was Safe Start, the YMCA Infant Water Survival Program he helped establish in 1999. On his desk, he kept a book of letters from grateful parents whose children had survived the tragedy of drowning thanks to the Y Safe Start program.