By Tamas Mondovics
The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is proudly celebrating its 125th anniversary this year while promoting the benefits of its facilities including 10 family facilities, four wellness centers, two golf facilities, a Community Learning Center in Sulphur Springs, an outdoor adventure camp in Riverview, a youth and family center in Carrollwood and 33 after-school program sites.
Today the Tampa Y serves more than 167,000 children, teens, active older adults, cancer survivors, chronically-ill community members, at-risk youth, infants, toddlers and families each year.
“Since its inception in 1889, the Tampa YMCA has focused on community service, either by opening our doors to those in search of leading healthier lives or through outreach activities that take us beyond our Y walls and into the surrounding community,” said Communications Director Lalita Llerena. “The Tampa Y excels at strengthening the foundations of community by supporting whole families, serving all ages and infusing our core values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring at all operational levels.”
Recognizing its most valuable members, the Y enjoyed the spotlight last month during the annual Regions Community Impact Dinner.
Llerena said that the annual event emceed by WFLA-TV News Channel 8 Anchor Rod Carter, saw more than 400 Y
supporters as it brought together community representatives, local government officials and community volunteers, raising awareness of the Y’s efforts.
“The event focused on promoting the health and well-being of the Tampa Bay community and helped give back to our neighbors in need,” Llerena said.
On hand was former Tampa Y Governance Board Chair, D. Scott Luttrell, who received the Red Triangle Award given to volunteers whose leadership, dedicated service and devotion to the mission have made significant and lasting impacts on the Tampa Y.
A portion of the dinner drew special attention to 14 YMCA volunteers who have earned the recognition as Branch Volunteers of the Year.
Three of the local award winners included North Brandon Y’s Christina Conti, Campo Y’s Chuck Ammons and YMCA Camp Cristina’s Jill Andrew.
Supporters agree that the Tampa Y has come a long way in its first 125 years and is eagerly looking forward to staying for many more. To learn more about the Tampa Y visit www.tampaymca.org.
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