I wanted to take a moment to thank the Naperville Community for supporting the YMCA and me during my 9 years with the Fry Family YMCA. I am retiring February 1 and relocating to Florida.
The Fry Y is celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2016. This couldn’t have happened without the support of the residential and business community of Naperville. As an off shoot of the Kroehler YMCA (115 years), the Fry Y has provided programs that help children and adults gain self esteem and resiliency by building character focusing on Respect, Responsibility, Caring and Honesty. It is a community hub for South Naperville, and a vibrant gathering place for a diverse community coming together under one roof.
During my 36-year career with the Y, I have learned that volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization and the sustainability in the community. I would like to thank our current and past Naperville YMCA Board that I have served with. Our board members represent the Y in the community, help set strategic direction and raise dollars to provide scholarship assistance so everyone can participate at the YMCA regardless of their ability to pay. Currently they are working side by side with staff on Healthy Living and Character Development Activities for the Y community.
To our many program volunteers who coach sports, help run swim meets and special events, work as room parents in preschool, help teach swim lessons, babysit, give leadership to the Adventure Guides program, and our office volunteers and greeters, we truly appreciate your donation of time and leadership.
Thank you to individuals, businesses and service clubs who make annual contributions to support the scholarship program, sponsor youth programs and events. Your donations are essential to keep the YMCA a place where children, adults, families and seniors can be safe and practice healthy behaviors.
I know the Y is in good hands in Naperville. Please continue to support the Y through membership, volunteering and philanthropy. Generations to come will have experiences that will help them become caring, healthy and productive citizens of our community thanks to you!