APRIL 2025In this issue:How One Woman Turned Retirement into a Full-Time Act of Kindness Bronx Teens Get a Digital Boost Thanks to AT&T and the Y Chris Geraci Rides for NYC—and for You Y Day of Giving Challenge is Here!Upcoming Events How One Woman Turned Retirement into a Full-Time Act of Kindness Hazel Alexander, retired educator for people with disabilities, has been a part of the Coney Island community for over 25 years—and for the last four, she’s poured her heart into giving back as a volunteer at the Y Community Markets.Hazel helps distribute fresh, nutritious food to her neighbors, many of whom face food insecurity. “It was a real culture shock,” Hazel said. “I couldn’t believe how many people were lining up for food. It really opened my eyes.”Food insecurity has reached a crisis level in New York City—1.5 million New Yorkers, including 1 in 4 children, don’t have enough to eat. Hazel is part of the solution: helping the YMCA distribute 556,800 pounds of food, 294,000 meals to youth, and 68,000 meals to seniors last year alone.What keeps her coming back week after week? The connections. Whether she’s teaching someone how to cook dry beans, comforting a neighbor, or bridging language barriers to help a newcomer access food, Hazel says it best: “It makes me feel wonderful seeing that I can help.”Hazel is part of a community of volunteers and staff keeping our neighbors nourished. Bronx Teens Get a Digital Boost Thanks to AT&T and the Y A group of 58 local Bronx high school students at Explorations Academy received free laptops courtesy of AT&T and the YMCA of Greater New York. The students are all participants in Rowe Scholars, the YMCA’s comprehensive college and career access program. The devices were made possible by a $45,000 AT&T donation to the YMCA. It’s estimated that 11% of households in New York do not have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world. This donation will help ensure that more Bronx teens have access to their own computer throughout the college application process – from completing applications, to submitting the FAFSA form, to bringing it with them to college. This effort is part of AT&T’s initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people nationwide get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030. This includes distributing more than 6,500 computers to students and their families across New York since 2021. To learn more about AT&T’s efforts to address the digital divide in New York, including the launch of 10 AT&T Connected Learning Centers, visit attconnects.com/New-York. Chris Geraci Rides for NYC—and for You For over a decade, Chris Geraci has been a dedicated part of the YMCA of Greater New York family. From winning the Arts and Letters award back in 2013 to becoming a key supporter of our mission, Chris has been a driving force behind so many of our fundraising efforts.He proudly serves on our Development Committee and has played an integral role on the Golf & Gala Committee all four years of its run. And when it comes to the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, Chris is a familiar face—this marks his fourth year riding with Team Y Champions! He always says, “There’s no better way to take in the city,” and we couldn’t agree more.Chris rides not just for the thrill of the route, but for the thousands of New Yorkers who count on the Y’s free and low-cost programs. Now, let’s return the favor.Show your support to a teammate who’s always given his!Donate to Chris’s ride → Y Day of Giving Challenge is Here! Generosity sparks change—and yours will ignite here: in your neighborhood, for the people you see every day. And on Y Day of Giving, your generosity won’t stand alone. We need 1,200 donors to give by May 13 to unlock a $50,000 citywide match!Every gift counts—yours could be the one that gets us there. Visit give.ymcanyc.org/ydayofgiving25. UPCOMING EVENTSY COUNSELING GOLF OUTING | May 5The 3rd Annual Monsignor Jeff Conway Memorial Golf Outing at Silver Lake Golf Course will be a well-spent afternoon, all while supporting YMCA Counseling Service. Register here.Y COMMUNITY WEEK | May 12-16- Monday - Cheers to the Y: Birthday Bash - Tuesday - Y DAY OF GIVING- Wednesday - Share Your Y Story - Thursday- Pair Up to Power Up - Friday - Swim into Summer Safety DODGE Y SNEAKER BALL | May 13 A formal celebration—with a fresh twist.Join us as we honor the visionaries who built the Dodge Y and the community that keeps it thriving. Celebrate the past, empower the future—all in your boldest kicks. RSVP or donate today! Y CHAMPIONS CELEBRATION | May 14Join us in celebrating our donors and Volunteers of the Year, all while enjoying cocktails, dinner, and dancing with fellow champions of our mission. RSVP here.