2023 Highlights
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland is in its 169th year because this community believes in and supports its mission. We are part of a global movement that George Williams launched in London in 1844 and that began here just ten years later.
To celebrate the founding of the Y and to recognize those who have given time and treasure to keep the movement going, we conducted Founder’s Day on June 1, 2023. Here is a brief review of the event.
Stakeholders, volunteers and staff gathered at the beautiful offices of Tucker Ellis in the Ernst & Young Tower for the occasion. As guests entered the venue, they walked by art created by children in our care who illustrated what they love about the YMCA.
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Program Highlights
The program featured Y stories by YMCA board chair Mike Dostal and Vice Chair LaRese Purnell, providing testimonials of the impact of the Y on the lives of our members and the communities we serve.
Mike Dostal
YMCA of Greater Cleveland Board Chair
LaRese Purnell
YMCA of Greater Cleveland Board Vice Chair
Two Y-Haven residents read original poems, which were moving and offered insights into their journeys.
Y-Haven residents Adam (left), and Shawn (right) with Ed Gemerchak, VP of Behavior services, Y-Haven.
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The Sherwin-Williams Company was presented the first Founder’s Day award in recognition of its more than 150 years of support. This award is given to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the YMCA. While accepting the award, Tom Porr, Vice President, Customer Marketing, Paint Stores Group at Sherwin-Williams, provided a touching testimonial of how the Y has been a constant for his family that has moved across the country numerous times as Tom’s career grew at the company. Click the button to read more about the special bonds between our Y and The Sherwin-Williams Company.
Tom Porr
Vice President, Customer Marketing,
Paint Stores Group at Sherwin-Williams
Founder's Day Video
Please enjoy this video tribute to the relationship between the YMCA, The Sherwin-Williams Company, and the community.
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Awards
VP of Branch Operations Tiffany Foxx recognized 13 Y volunteers who were presented with Community Impact Awards. The volunteers were selected from each of our branches and Y-Haven.
Community Impact Award recipients included (left to right), Walter F. Senny, Kurt Weber, Al Moon, Corey Burke, Jason Salupo, Jon and Jamie Galiardi.
Not pictured, John Carney, Elizabeth Ritchey, Jerry and Tove Shere, Donald J. Jolly II, Kay Cilimburg.
Finally, President & CEO Timothy Hilk announced the creation of the S.P. Fenn Heritage Society for planned giving. The Society honors those individuals and families who either include the YMCA of Greater Cleveland in their estate plans or contribute to the Endowment Fund by creating a named fund. All guests received a Y branded cooling towel, three guest passes and a one-pager detailing the Y’s community impact in 2022.
We are grateful to Tucker Ellis and YMCA of Greater Cleveland board member John Slagter for providing an exceptional venue for this event.
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