It was a great day at your YMCA as we celebrated our Annual Meeting Luncheon! Being together in that room, surrounded by people who believe deeply in this place, was a powerful reminder of what makes our community so special. Because of you, lives are changing every single day.
Somewhere tonight, a young person will feel more confident, more connected, and more certain of who they can become. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of this place and because of people like you who show up, give generously, and believe.
Celebrating Those Who Lead the Way
We were honored to recognize four extraordinary individuals with the 2026 Service to Youth Award:
- Patrick Harting
- Megan Carnahan
- John Heimer
- Judge Jessica Lorello
Each of these leaders represents the very best of the YMCA. They model caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in action. Their impact is felt across our community, and we are better because of them.
We were also proud to honor Jerry Bauman as this year’s Vern Emery Award recipient. Jerry embodies a lifelong commitment to service and leadership at the YMCA. His example reminds us what it means to lead with humility, generosity, and heart.
Volunteers make a tangible difference every step of the way. We were thrilled to acknowledge the following Volunteer of the Year honorees:
Judy O’Leary, supporting the Caldwell YMCA
Regina and Richard Smith, supporting the Downtown YMCA
Heather McClain, supporting Tomlinson South Meridian YMCA
Paul Egert, supporting West Family YMCA
Martha Emery and Jerry Ulfers, supporting YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir
Sami Aipperspach, supporting Youth Sports
Steve Townsley, supporting School Age Youth Development
Kelsey Yordy, Madelyn Gimmell, and Beth Neal – supporting Early Youth Development
We also honored our Civic Engagement and Y Not Go On Scholarship Recipients
Civic Engagement
Kasen Obregon
Anise Welty
Josephine Klaas
Alexander Vavarrete
Y Not Go On
Astrid Connerly
Gabriela Vera-Alarcon
Sylvia Lopez
The Momentum Is Real
This year, we have already celebrated something remarkable:
- A $40 million goal—exceeded
- A new Downtown YMCA—opening November 7th
- Save the date and get ready! Register now for our 1-mile Footsteps to the Future walk or reserve your commemorative Grand Opening shirt.
- A growing impact reaching tens of thousands of youth and families each year, guided by our evolving Strategic Roadmap.
But we’re not finished, and our next step is critical: eliminating the remaining $7 million in long-term debt on the Downtown Y so that every dollar we raise can go directly toward expanding access, deepening impact, and strengthening our community. If you’ve already made your gift to the Downtown YMCA, thank you. Your name will forever be part of a place where thousands will find belonging. If you’ve been considering it, now is the time!
The Downtown Y Donor Wall will go into production soon, with a June 30 giving deadline for inclusion.
This is more than recognition. It’s a declaration: “I helped build a place where everyone belongs.” Please consider a gift today.
Thank You. For 135 years, this YMCA has been strengthening our community.Standingwhere we are today, it truly feels like we’re just getting started. There’s No Place Like This Place.
Save the Date – Heritage Dinner
Thursday, November 12th at Riverside Hotel
We’re already looking ahead to another meaningful moment together, and we’re looking forward to remarks from keynote speaker James Bailey.
And if you enjoyed Frank Baillargeon’s 2025 keynote remarks about resilience, you may be excited to know that the 3rd edition of his anthology is available now in paperback or audiobook!
Thank you to our sponsors!
