PRESS RELEASE
Boise, ID – The Treasure Valley Family YMCA (Y) has awarded four individuals with awards for their years of volunteerism and service to the local Y and the community. These awards were presented at the Y’s 128th Annual Meeting on June 5 at the Grove Hotel, an event that brought people together to celebrate our local YMCA Superheroes, including the volunteers who go above and beyond.
VERN EMERY AWARD
The Board of Directors of the Y established the Vern Emery Award in 1991 in memory and honor of former Y Executive Director Vern Emery’s long-term leadership of this community’s YMCA. It is presented annually to an outstanding volunteer leader based upon the following criteria:
• Long-term service to the Y and the community-at-large
• Former Service-to-Youth Award recipient
• Must demonstrate the personal qualities so characteristic of Vern, including caring, compassion, strong leadership and initiative, optimistic, positive attitude, sense of humor, ability to be a role model, ability to praise and build self-esteem in others, and ability to be a friend to all
This year, the Vern Emery Award is being given to long-time Y Board Member, James Bailey. James has been the head of the Human Resources committee as well as a longtime confidant to the Treasure Valley YMCA executive leadership. He has generously donated to the Y’s Annual Campaign, Capital Campaign, and endowment, as well as working with others to raise funds for operation and our financial assistance program. To learn more about James Bailey and his positive impact on our community, watch his Vern Emery Award video.
SERVICE TO YOUTH AWARDS
The Y is presenting three committed Y volunteers with the Service to Youth Award, an honor that is presented annually to individuals who have gone above and beyond over the years to help develop Treasure Valley Youth. The 2019 recipients are:
Jeff Tonkin, HC Company, Inc.
Recognized for his unwavering dedication to the YMCA. Jeff and his family are active participants at the Y. Jeff has served on our board and has chaired our West Boise YMCA and Boise City Aquatic Center Advisory Committee. One of Jeff’s largest contributions is his leadership of the Annual Campaign, making sure that the Y can fulfill the promise to never turn anyone away due to the inability to pay.
John Ashby, Hawley Troxell
Recognized for sharing his expertise in employment law and human resources, making the Y a great place to work. John provides huge value to the Y and is literally on our speed dial. John has served on the board of directors, is a long-term member of the Human Resources Committee and currently chairs this group.
Maureen O’Keeffe-Wing, Civic Leader
Recognized for her leadership and impact in many areas of the Y. Maureen chaired the CEO Selection Committee, has served on the Human Resources Committee and is a past YMCA Board Chair. She currently serves on the Downtown Development Task Force and chairs the Board Governance Committee. She is an active fundraiser, generating additional resources to fuel the Y cause.