press releases
For media inquiries please contact:
Rick Batyko
rbatyko@clevelandymca.org
direct: 216-263-6836
cell: 330-421-3178
Rick Batyko
rbatyko@clevelandymca.org
direct: 216-263-6836
cell: 330-421-3178
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YMCA of Greater Cleveland and Xplora Challenge Kids to Walk to Mars
Local Y Joins Smartwatch for Kids Company in a Global Extraterrestrial Initiative to Encourage More Physical Activity OSLO – June 10, 2021 – Xplora, the company that makes Europe’s leading smartwatch for kids, today announced it is launching a global (or “extraterrestrial”) initiative to encourage children to walk to Mars. With the arrival of Perseverance in February and Tianwen-1 in May, interest in Mars is higher than it has been in years. Locally, the company has partnered with the YMCA of Greater Cleveland to involve 50 children in our area. Xplora was founded with the mission to give children a safe onboarding to the digital world and a better balance between screen time and physical activity. The renewed Mars interest drove Xplora to develop a new challenge. “Studies show children’s screen time has more than doubled during the pandemic. Children using our platform are more than twice as physically active compared to those that do not, so we wanted to do something to encourage more activity,” said Sten Kirkbak, CEO of Xplora. “Children with Xplora smartwatches walk enough steps to go around the world every day. That meant the children would walk enough steps combined to walk to the moon in just three weeks, so we wanted a more aggressive goal – we wanted to have the kids beat Elon Musk to Mars.” Walking to Mars The Walk to Mars: Join the Space Race campaign will aggregate children’s walking activity across the world to help them get to Mars quickly. At its closest approach, Mars is 33.9 million miles/56.4 million kilometers away, meaning it would take Xplora users in aggregate a few decades to walk to Mars. While Xplora believes in promoting healthy activity throughout life, that is a bit too much. Xplora is giving the kids a boost, with every 1000 steps equaling 10 kilometers, to equate to the positive energy they receive from regular exercise. With the boost and additional slingshot maneuvers they can find, the goal is for the children to reach Mars in two months at current activity levels. Xplora users can check the Walk to Mars leaderboard) to track their progress daily and see how they compare to other kids across the world. Children can also win prizes when they meet their step goals to provide additional incentives. These prizes include an iPad and LEGO City Space Rocket and a mini-drone. As part of the campaign, Xplora is teaming up with influencers and organizations such as the YMCA of Greater Cleveland to encourage kids to be more active. “The YMCA of Greater Cleveland is always seeking partners to help us promote the balanced development of spirit, mind and body. We appreciate Xplora’s donation of 50 X5 Play Smartwatches, which will aid in our efforts to get kids more active and families better connected,” said Ana Thomas, Vice president of Youth Development, YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “We look forward to helping our kids in this global walk to Mars.” About the X5 Play The X5 Play is the only smartwatch with phone functionality designed for children ages 4-11 with gamification, a step tracker and Goplay access built in to help drive more physical activity. Xplora is more effective than traditional fitness and GPS trackers because it encourages kids to move through fun activities and gamification, in order to build a better balance between screen time and activity. With the X5 Play, children can make and receive calls from up to 50 approved contacts, while parents can have peace of mind knowing their child’s location. Kids can take and store up to 1,000 pictures, play games and track their steps to earn prize incentives through the Xplora Goplay platform which encourages children to be more physically active. The Xplora Goplay platform includes popular gamification content launched in collaboration with Sony Interactive, Paramount’s Dora and the Lost City Gold, and Spies in Disguise from Fox Disney. All collaborations are specifically designed to keep kids motivated, engaged, and moving – and the content is proven to work. Recently, Xplora users walked more than 63 million steps in just two weeks to play the Tom & Jerry The Movie virtual pinball game. The company is also launching a new Spy Racers 4 game on May 3. Pricing and availabilityThe X5 Play is available for $189.99 on Amazon.com and will work with all major carriers with an appropriate Nano SIM. About Xplora Xplora is a platform and services company and an industry leader in the market for children’s smartwatches. Xplora was founded to give children a safe onboarding to the digital life and a better balance between screen time and physical activity. Xplora’s vision is to enable children around the world to experience how their everyday activities can create value and make a positive change to the world. The company is headquartered in Norway with operations in leading European markets. Xplora is listed on Euronext Growth under the ticker symbol XPLRA. 
YMCA of Greater Cleveland Appoints Brian DiVincenzo to its Board of Directors
Cleveland, OH (May 10, 2021) – The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Brian DiVincenzo to its board of directors. DiVincenzo is president of the wholesale/commercial business unit at Oatey Co., a market-leading provider of products for the residential and commercial construction industries. YMCA Board members are responsible for establishing policy and strategic direction for the Y, creating opportunities and establishing relationships that advance the YMCA’s mission and cause. “Brian is a great addition to the board of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland,” said Marc Hays, partner, Acquisitions and Leasing at Stanbery Development Group and chair of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland Board of Trustees. “His sales management expertise and business skills are a valuable asset. Our Y has enjoyed a strong relationship with Oatey Co. as several of its executives have served on our board over the years. We are delighted to keep this partnership thriving as both organizations are committed to enhancing the quality of life for all Greater Clevelanders.” DiVincenzo has more than ten years of experience in sales management. Before joining Oatey Co. in 2011, he held sales and financial positions at Liberty Pumps and Scott Fetzer Consumer Brands. DiVincenzo received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baldwin-Wallace University and is a certified public accountant. He lives in Bay Village, Ohio, with his wife and two children. 
YMCA of Greater Cleveland Receives 2021 Grant Funding From USA Swimming Foundation
Grant supports efforts to offer free or reduced-cost swim lessons Cleveland, OH (April 7, 2021) – The YMCA of Greater Cleveland was chosen as one of 67 from the USA Swimming Foundation’s nationwide network of swim lesson providers to receive grant money in early 2021. The $10,000 grant award will go toward Y’s continued efforts to provide free or reduced-cost swim lessons. The USA Swimming Foundation has awarded a total of $507,618 to programs across the country who will provide swim lessons to an estimated 13,800 children. “We are thrilled to be chosen for this grant,” Aquatics Director Phillip Hearne said. “The YMCA has long been America’s favorite swimming instructor, but not everyone can afford the cost of swimming lessons. This funding will help keep kids safe and give them a fun and healthy activity.” The USA Swimming Foundation vetted 243 applications through a competitive annual review process and chose 67 programs to receive funding. “It’s an incredible feeling to know that USA Swimming Foundation funding will be used to create a valuable swimming experience for thousands of children who may not have had the opportunity to learn how to swim,” Scott Usher, Director of Development for the USA Swimming Foundation said. “We are thrilled with the depth of this year’s swim lesson provider applicant pool and we couldn’t be prouder to support these life-saving opportunities for children across the country. We owe a tremendous thank you to our partners and donors who continue to make a difference in our mission of saving lives and building champions.” Millions of children have received the lifesaving gift of swim lessons through the USA Swimming Foundation’s network of swim lesson providers, comprised of more than 1,500 qualified lesson providers across the nation. Since 2007, more than $6 million has been awarded in learn-to-swim grants. To learn more, visit www.usaswimming.org/foundation. For more information on the YMCA of Greater Cleveland’s Aquatics Programs, visit www.clevelandymca.org/aquatics. For a full list of 2021 USA Swimming Foundation grant recipients or to donate to the Foundation, please visit www.usaswimming.org/foundation 
YMCA of Greater Cleveland Appoints Lori Fauvie to its Board of Directors
Cleveland, OH (February 2, 2021) The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Lori Fauvie to its Board of Directors. Fauvie is Vice President of Human Resources for the Engineered Materials Group of Parker Hannifin Corporation. YMCA Board members are responsible for establishing policy and strategic direction for the Y, as well as creating opportunities and establishing relationships that advance the YMCA’s mission and cause. “We are delighted to welcome Lori to the board of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland,” said Marc Hays, partner, Acquisitions and Leasing at Stanbery Development Group and chair of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland Board of Trustees. “Our Y has enjoyed a strong relationship with Parker Hannifin over the years. Lori’s expertise will be instrumental in guiding the recruiting and retention of exceptional talent and as well helping to drive best practices across our organization.” Fauvie joined Parker in 2008 as employment counsel where she advised division leadership teams across multiple operating groups on employee and labor relations issues. In 2013, she transitioned into human resources and has held a variety of roles, including Global Division Human Resources Manager and most recently Human Resources Integration Lead for Parker Hannifin’s acquisition of LORD Corporation. Currently, she leads a global team by reinforcing Parker’s strong company culture and creating large-scale employee engagement and talent development programs that support the achievement of business objectives. Prior to joining Parker Hannifin, Fauvie was an employment attorney at Vorys, one of Ohio’s largest law firms. She is a graduate of Cleveland State University Marshall College of Law and holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in communication and media studies and secondary education from Ohio University. |
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YMCA of Greater Cleveland Launches Healthy Living Challenge
Free program aims to get people strong in spirit, mind and body Cleveland, OH (January 12, 2021) - The YMCA of Greater Cleveland is launching a free, six-week community-wide healthy living program called the RESET Challenge. Individuals can participate virtually or in person through weekly programs and activities with family, friends and community members. Registration is now open to members and nonmembers and the Challenge begins on Monday, February 1. Activities each week are centered around a different theme: Reset, Refresh, Reconnect, Replay, Reinvest and Restore. “We are inviting everyone in the community to join the RESET Challenge to start the year off strong in spirit, mind and body,” said Linda McVey, Executive Director of Health Initiatives at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “The RESET Challenge aims to improve not just our physical fitness, but also our overall wellness.” “After the year that was 2020, we all want to get 2021 started on the right note,” said YMCA of Greater Cleveland President and CEO Timothy Hilk. “Through the Y’s RESET Challenge, participants will reenergize, make new connections, set and reach goals and improve their lives.” RESET CHALLENGE details:
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YMCA of Greater Cleveland Appoints Michelle Bennett as Controller and Director of Finance
Cleveland, OH (November 11, 2020) - The YMCA of Greater Cleveland today announced the organization has appointed Michelle Bennett as controller and director of finance. In this role, she will oversee the organization's daily accounting operations, including the accounting, payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable departments. “We are delighted to welcome Michelle to our team,” says Holly DuPlain, chief financial officer. “She has a depth of experience in accounting that will bring additional business acumen and analytical skills to our work. She is also passionate about the nonprofit sector and the mission-driven work of the Y.” Bennett has a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Stella Maris College in India. She earned her master’s in accounting from Cleveland State University and is certified by the Accountancy Board of Ohio as a certified public accountant. Michelle’s career as an accountant spans over 18 years, including more than 13 years as a controller. Bennett grew up in Chennai, India, and is a proud member of the Anglo-Indian community. She moved to the United States in January 2002 with her son. She became a United States citizen in 2007. |
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The Cleveland Foundation Provides Grant to the YMCA of Greater Cleveland for Expanding and Enhancing Y-Haven's Recovery Services During Covid-19
Cleveland, OH (August 25, 2020) - The Cleveland Foundation has awarded the YMCA of Greater Cleveland a grant of $200,000 for expanding and enhancing Y-Haven's recovery services during COVID-19. Y-Haven provides housing and drug and alcohol treatment to those struggling with homelessness and addiction. The center offers an array of services to help participants recover from addiction, find work and secure permanent housing. Y-Haven holds top-level accreditation from CARF International. The grant will enable Y-Haven to:
“The stress from social isolation and other COVID-19 related life changes can lead to or worsen substance use and misuse,” added Ed Gemerchak, Executive Director of Y-Haven Transitional Housing. “Y-Haven’s staff has performed exemplarily under the circumstance to meet the needs of our residents. This funding will provide them with better tools and resources to enhance the care that is so desperately needed for our residents who are working hard to make positive and lasting changes in their lives.” |
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YMCA of Greater Cleveland Appoints Susan Fuehrer to its Board of Directors
Cleveland, OH (August 18, 2020) - The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Susan Fuehrer to its Board of Directors. Fuehrer serves as MetroHealth’s President for the Institute for H.O.P.E.TM (Health, Opportunity, Partnership, Empowerment). YMCA Board members are responsible for establishing policy and strategic direction for the Y, as well as creating opportunities and establishing relationships that advance the YMCA’s mission and cause. Fuehrer joined the MetroHealth System in 2019. In her role with the Institute, she addresses social determinants of health in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. Through connecting members of Northeast Ohio with resources and support – healthy food, job training, housing, legal services, and equitable, quality healthcare – the Institute for H.O.P.E. helps people in the community live healthy lives of opportunity, dignity, and hope. “We are excited to welcome Susan to the board of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland,” said Marc Hays, partner, Acquisitions and Leasing at Stanbery Development Group and chair of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland Board of Trustees. “Susan’s background in advocacy, running the VA and now as President of Institute for H.O.P.E., perfectly aligns with our strategic goals. Her expertise will be invaluable as we work to be a leading organization in NE Ohio working towards racial and social equity with the community.” Previously, Susan served as the CEO and Executive Director of the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System. She spent 34 years at the VA and rose from a management intern to become CEO in September 2010. She served as the leader and visionary for one of VA’s largest healthcare systems with a strong reputation for excellent outcomes and value for patient care, academic education and research. Susan completed her Bachelor of Science from the University of New Hampshire in 1986 and Master of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University in 1990. She is also a graduate of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She currently serves on the boards of the Greater Northern Ohio American Red Cross, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation and the Center for Health Affairs. Susan was a recipient of a Presidential Rank Award, the most prestigious award in Federal career civil service, in 2019. |
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The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Misty Musson as director, major gifts.
Cleveland, OH (August 13, 2020) - In this role, she will work with the Chief Philanthropy Officer in charting the organization’s course in financial development especially as it relates to cultivating and soliciting Major Gifts. Musson joins a growing Philanthropy Department at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, which is increasingly committed to donor engagement and development in response to growing community needs for the Y’s services. “Misty’s passion is serving those most in need in the community, which is reflected in her career,” said Beth Darmstadter, chief philanthropy officer. “She has been involved in all aspects of nonprofit fundraising, so we look forward leveraging her skills, talents and leadership in our Philanthropy Department.” Musson previously served as the development manager for Shoes and Clothes for Kids and assistant director for Parent and Family Giving. She also served as assistant director of donor relations with Oberlin College. Musson began her career as an intake supervisor and intensive case manager for Recovery Resources. Musson, who is a native Clevelander, earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kent State University. In her spare time, Musson enjoys travelling and spending time with her three children and their dog. |
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The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Shanette Buford-Brazzell as Director, Annual Campaign.
Cleveland, OH (July 1, 2020)- Buford-Brazzell will develop and implement annual campaign strategies in conjunction with the Y’s branches. She comes to the Y from Case Western Reserve University where she served in the Weatherhead School of Management alumni and development department as the Assistant Director, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. “We are delighted to welcome Shanette to our Y,” said Beth Darmstadter, chief philanthropy officer. “Her background in nonprofit fundraising and stewardship will help us enhance our annual giving programs and build even stronger connections to our donors. She has an extensive network within the Cleveland philanthropic community and a deep commitment to the not-for-profit sector.” Buford-Brazzell is a member of various young professional boards, professional and volunteer organizations, including Downtown Cleveland Alliance City Advocate, Cleveland State University’s Young Alumni Council, WISE Cleveland (Women in Sports and Events) and Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cleveland Chapter. She is a 2013 graduate of Cleveland State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Journalism and Promotional Communication degree. In 2016, she received an executive certificate in sports philanthropy from George Washington University in Washington D.C. |
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The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Jeff Jacko as the Branch Executive Director at its North Royalton Family YMCA in North Royalton, OH.
Cleveland, OH (November 15, 2020) - He comes to the YMCA from the City of Shaker Heights, where he served as Special Events and Marketing Coordinator. Jacko returns to the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, where he formerly served as Executive Director of Member Services after working as the Branch Executive Director at the Hillcrest Family YMCA. He has 18 years of fitness and recreation leadership, including staff recruitment and development, facility operations, membership marketing and community engagement. “We are delighted that Jeff is returning to our Association,” said Michael Carter, Central District Executive for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “He is veteran of fitness and membership organizations, including Bally Total Fitness and Life Time Fitness as well as his work in city recreation. Jeff knows the Y’s culture and is committed to its mission. He will be a great leader for our North Royalton branch.” Jacko graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a B.A. in Arts, Fitness Management. He is a certified Parks and Recreation Professional |
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The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Eric Stinehelfer as branch executive director of its French Creek Family YMCA in Avon
Cleveland, OH (November 5, 2020) - Stinehelfer has an extensive career in the YMCA working in Ys in Bucyrus and Fostoria, Ohio, where he served as the CEO of the Geary Family YMCA for 12 years, the release said. He has held leadership roles at Ys in St. Louis, Rock River, Ill. and Tampa, Fla. Stinehelfer is a graduate of Tiffin University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, the release said. “Eric’s is the right leader at the right time for our French Creek Family YMCA,” said Steve Crone, West District executive for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “His depth of experience in the YMCA will be valuable as we add innovative new offerings and reignite family fun at this branch. "We are excited to welcome him to our ranks.” |
