AUGUST 2025In this issue:Fore a Cause: Golf & Gala 2025In Her Name: How One Family Brought Inclusive Camps to the YMeet our Marathoners! Fore a Cause: Golf & Gala 2025 Our fourth annual YMCA of Greater New York Golf & Gala brought two of New York City’s top industries—advertising & media and real estate & construction—together for a day of golf and giving at the Westchester Country Club. Together, we raised over $841,000—critical funds that support thousands of New Yorkers through the Y's youth and teen programs. Congratulations to our honorees, Carrie Drinkwater, Chief Investment Officer of Carat USA, and Anthony Consigli, Chief Executive Officer of Consigli Construction. Both honorees are extraordinary leaders at the forefront of innovation in their fields. We also extend congratulations to our Golf & Gala scholarship winner Mena Asim, a rising first-year at CUNY Baruch College, and thanks to Y Teen Ambassador Olivia Xia for sharing her powerful Y story: "Through Leaders Club and Teens Take the City, I wasn’t just joining activities—I was discovering my voice and my potential. I got to attend rallies and connect with Y teens from across the Northeast, realizing that the Y’s love and support go far beyond any one city."Thank you to the hilarious Mikey Day, Saturday Night Live writer and actor, for hosting and to our dedicated Golf & Gala committee, co-led by Kris Magel and Larry Bremer, whose enthusiasm and partnership made for such an incredible day. We’re grateful to all who joined us and hope to see you next year on Monday, July 27, 2026! To get involved, contact our team at specialevents@ymcanyc.org.Please enjoy photos from our Golf & Gala photo gallery. In Her Name: The Family Behind the Y’s Inclusive Summer Camps What began as a family’s way of honoring the life of their beloved sister and daughter has grown into a joyful legacy that continues to change lives across New York City. Lisa Beth Gerstman loved summer camp — it was where she found laughter, friendship, and adventure. When Lisa Beth’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 11 during a camp field trip in 1970, her family chose to carry her spirit forward by bringing those same camp experiences to children who might otherwise go without.In 2003, Dan Gerstman and his family established the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation to honor Lisa Beth’s memory by making inclusive summer camp possible for children with disabilities. “It is truly a blessing to know that other children will get to go to summer camp, build friendships and fulfill dreams that she never fully realized,” the family shared in a letter. Dan’s sister Linda, brother Brad, and the next generation of Gerstman’s have been vital to the foundation’s mission.The Foundation’s first partnership was with the Cross Island Y, where Dan served as Board Chair and collaborated closely with Jean Dattner, the Cross Island Y’s Special Populations Director at the time, to launch a groundbreaking program welcoming children with disabilities into the heart of camp life. Today, Jean continues this mission with the Foundation, helping to expand its reach and deepen its impact.Since then, the Foundation has become a cherished partner of the Y, contributing nearly $1.5 million to ensure that hundreds of children — regardless of ability — can experience the joy of Y Summer Camp.This summer, thanks to the Foundation’s increased grant of $165,000, we were proud to open two new inclusive camp sites in Bed-Stuy and Chinatown, bringing the magic of camp to even more children across our city.Their support allows us to hire dedicated Inclusion Specialists who foster an accessible experience for our campers, managing wheelchair accessible transportation, one-on-one swimming instruction, and adaptive physical education equipment and training. “By integrating the children with the larger camp populations, we create environments that foster new respect, friendships, and the realization that all children share similar love for human interaction and fun,” the Gerstman family shared.We are honored to partner with the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation in transforming summer camp into a joyful, inclusive experience for all. Meet our Marathoners!Our 19 Team Y Champions are training for one of New York City's greatest events: the TCS NYC Marathon. From first-timers to new mothers to milestone birthdays, they all share one goal: to make every mile meaningful. Together, they’re running not just for the finish line, but for a shared belief in the Y’s mission.SUPPORT THEM AS THEY SUPPORT US Kyra is running a mile for every year of her life (Happy 26th birthday, Kyra!). "This is my way of giving back to a city that’s given me so much—and standing up for the values of equity, opportunity, and community that the Y represents."SUPPORT KYRA & the LIC Y! "If you know me, then you know the Y was a critical part of my childhood. Whether it was learning how to swim, volunteering for the first time, or working my first job, the Y was involved every step of the way." SUPPORT CARLY! Sam's transition to life in NYC took a toll on his mental health. The Bed-Stuy Y became his third place - somewhere where he could connect with friends and neighbors. Now he's giving back to the community that gives him so much.SUPPORT SAM & THE BED-STUY Y! "When I moved in 2013, I was just another newcomer trying to find my place. Volunteering at the Y changed everything...I witnessed the heart of the city—neighbors helping neighbors, children finding confidence, families discovering support. Now, NYC isn’t just where I live—it’s who I am."SUPPORT PREETHI & THE NORTH BK Y! This year, Olivia has run the United Airlines NYC Half, NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon, and now the TCS NYC Marathon with us! "This race isn’t just about running for me—it’s about running for something bigger. I want to help ensure that the Y continues to offer the programs and services that change lives and create opportunities for all." SUPPORT OLIVIA! Last year, Tucker and his now-wife Amanda asked their wedding guests to donate to their Y marathon fundraiser in lieu of a gift. Tucker is back again, supporting a community that has meant so much to his family for generations. SUPPORT TUCKER & THE WEST SIDE Y!