The Treasure Valley Family YMCA recently hosted its 134th Annual Meeting — a powerful celebration of connection, community, and the impact we create together. With record-breaking attendance of over 270 supporters, this year’s gathering was one of our most inspiring yet.
Throughout the event, we shared stories that reminded us the Y is more than just a place — it’s a movement. From Connie Fowler’s incredible journey of transformation ,to the camaraderie of our West Y pickleball players and the spirit of our Youth Sports “All Winners,” the event was filled with moments that showcased the heart of the Y Movement.
We also took time to honor the people who make our work possible. Volunteers, board leaders, and scholarship recipients were recognized for their dedication and achievements. Special congratulations to our Service to Youth Award recipients — Steve Koga, Jessica Burke, Charina Newell, Mike Stanton, and Jay Multanen — and to Alex Zamora, this year’s Vern Emery Award honoree.
A key message was our bold vision for the future: by 2035, we aim to serve 1 in every 2 children in the Treasure Valley. This is more than a goal — it’s a promise to deepen our impact and ensure every child has access to the opportunities, support, and community they deserve.
To help make this vision a reality, we introduced our YMCA GEM (Gift Every Month) Campaign. Becoming a GEM is a simple yet powerful way to support the Y’s mission through a monthly gift to our Annual Campaign.
We also shared exciting updates about what’s ahead — including the near completion of the new Cap Ed Downtown YMCA, the expansion of Y Camp at Horsethief Reservoir, and our innovative new child development model. These milestones are only possible because of the continued support of people like you.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to building connected communities where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued. Whether you attended the Annual Meeting or engage with the Y in another way, thank you for being part of the Y family. Your belief in our mission fuels everything we do.
2025 Vern Emery Honoree:
Dr. Alex Zamora
Co-Superintendent and Principal, Wilder School District
Service to Youth Awardees:
Steve Koga
“When the West Y/City opened in 1996 Water Polo was introduced. Steve helped establish a program for HS athletes. Over the next 30 years, Steve coached and mentored hundreds of kids, officiated thousands of matches, and recruited hundreds of volunteers. The sport has grown tremendously and the Idaho State Championships include teams from all across the state.”
Jessica Burke
“Her participation and leadership of the YMCA Endowment Committee has helped to insure the long term stability of the YMCA. As you know, gifts to the YMCA Endowment Fund build a balance that earns dollars every year that provide an ongoing source of annual financial support to power the cause of the YMCA. She joined the YMCA Board of Directors in 2018, and achieved a record of perfect annual attendance not just once, but twice! Her ability to give strong and sound financial advice to any YMCA effort is invaluable. She is currently the Chair of the YMCA Philanthropy Committee that is helping to strategize and execute ways of generating additional investment in YMCA programs that implement solutions to social, cultural, and economic issues in our community.”
Charina Newell
“She received her Juris Doctorate in 2003, and went to work with different firms bringing justice to the world. No matter where she practiced, protecting, defending and supporting children remained her primary focus. She is wise enough to know that the best way to serve people is to keep them out of the legal system in the first place, so she joined the YMCA Board of Directors and Youth Committee in 2008 and served the maximum nine years.”
Mike Stanton
“He became one of the most powerful advocates for giving the gift of swimming and one of the most popular swim instructors this Y has ever seen. Mike’s commitment to people, the Y, and swimming is unequalled. After a break from the Y, Mike heard of our desperate need for aquatic leaders, and at 60 years old, he re-certified as a lifeguard and swim instructor in order to continue his legacy of service.”
Jay Multanen
“Perhaps his greatest YMCA work, his Magnum Opus, might be his leadership in the Rotary/YMCA Everyday Leadership program. This impactful program is focused on reaching low income students and is delivered in nine Boise Elementary Schools and two in Caldwell. The program has a specific curriculum focused on communication skills, change management, and volunteer service. The results are clear – 87% of students improve their grades to be above a 3.5 GPA, and incidences of problem behaviors decreased by 65%. The children have a blast, families report their child has adopted leadership skills. Educators report that these Everyday Leaders positively influence the actions of other students.”
Civic Engagement Scholars:
Alexis Danes – Timberline
Sally De Franco – Bishop Kelly
Ixzetl Arizmendi – Caldwell
Y Not Go on Scholars:
Alyssa Hardman – Vallivue
Kimberly Bernal – Timberline
Safia Mnongerwa – Capital
Outgoing Board Chairs:
John Ashby
Jeff Tonkin
Incoming Board Members:
Angela Reed
Paul Egert
Bill Geppert
Nell Dalton
Board Chair Elect:
Jessica Burke
