By Kathy L. Collins
On Thursday, March 27 the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA held its annual Regions Community Impact Dinner. The event brings awareness to the Tampa Y’s efforts to help kids and families, promote the health and well-being of the Tampa Bay community and give back to neighbors in need. The dinner is also an opportunity to honor and celebrate Volunteers of the Year from area Y branches.
From the North Brandon Y, Christina Conti was honored as Volunteer of the Year. According to George Sorenson, Executive Director of the North Brandon Y, “She has been our everything mom and this award is overdue and well deserved.”
Conti is a dance and gymnastics parent who has volunteered extensively. She has been involved throughout the course of the last three to four years helping improve the growth and quality. Conti is currently chairing a committee for Y Gymnastics Nationals to be held in Tampa this July and sits on the Team Parent Gymnastics Committee as well.
According to Cindy Sofarelli, Executive Director of the Campo Family Y, awarding Chuck Ammons with the 
Volunteer of the Year is also a well-deserved honor. Sofarelli said, “Chuck came to the Y three years ago with one goal in mind, to serve. Chuck felt a specific calling beyond his ministry at his church, South Brandon Worship Center, where he serves as a pastor of discipleship and youth. His desire to faithfully serve through volunteerism has been a blessing to the Campo Y on so many levels.”
The Volunteer of the Year from the Tampa YMCA’s Camp Cristina is Jill Andrew. “Jill Andrew was selected because of her outstand dedication to YMCA Camp Cristina and the community. Jill has assisted with fundraising, developing community awareness and recruiting volunteers. Jill has the unique ability to relate to campers, staff, parents and volunteers. She is very approachable and committed to making YMCA Camp Cristina a viable resource in the community,” said Darren Dannelly, the Executive Director of YMCA Camp Cristina.
In addition to honoring the above three volunteers, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA honored Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan with the 2014 Community Impact Award.
For more information on the Y, visit www.tampaymca.org.
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