The YMCA of Greater Cleveland hosted its third annual Founder’s Day celebration last month at Rocket Arena. The evening highlighted community partnerships and honored volunteers whose contributions strengthen the Y across Greater Cleveland.
A centerpiece of the event was the presentation of the Founder’s Award to the Cleveland Cavaliers, recognizing the team’s longstanding commitment to youth development, community engagement and well-being. The Cavaliers and the YMCA have partnered for years to inspire play and connection, most notably through the Junior Cavs youth basketball program. Since its launch in 2013, the program has served thousands of young athletes, combining skill development with the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The Cavs also host Healthy Kids Day at Rocket Arena, where hundreds of families enjoy games, activities, and skills clinics designed to celebrate active, engaged childhoods.
The award was presented by Tim Hilk, YMCA of Greater Cleveland President & CEO, and Michael K. Dostal, former chair of the YMCA Board of Directors. Accepting on behalf of the Cavaliers was Scott MacDonald, Senior Director of Youth Sports Partnerships. In his remarks, Hilk emphasized that “well-being comes when we serve spirit, mind and body wrapped in community,” underscoring the impact of partnerships like the one with the Cavs in creating a healthier future for Greater Cleveland. MacDonald emphasized that the partnership between our organizations has benefited thousands of young people in our region and will impact many more in the years to come.
In addition to honoring the Cavaliers, the evening also celebrated the Community Impact Award recipients, volunteers from each YMCA branch and Y-Haven who give their time, talent and leadership to strengthen community. Their inspiring stories will be featured in a separate article in this issue of the newsletter.
The evening closed with Hilk reminding attendees of the YMCA’s ongoing annual Community Campaign, which provides more than $1 million in financial support each year so that Y programs, memberships, childcare and Y-Haven services are accessible to all. To support the campaign, please visit https://www.clevelandymca.org/give.
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland thanks the Cavaliers for their unwavering partnership and congratulates them on receiving the 2025 Founder’s Award.