Golf & Gala: Uniting Industries for Impact
The third annual YMCA of Greater New York Golf & Gala was a highlight of the year, bringing together two of New York City’s top industries – advertising & media and real estate & construction - at the Westchester Country Club for a day of golf and giving. Together, we raised $780,000 – critical funds that will open doors for thousands of New Yorkers through the Y's youth and teen programs.
Congratulations to our honorees, Molly Finnerty, Chief Investment Officer of Zenith, and Rich Steimel, Senior Vice President of Lendlease, both extraordinary leaders at the forefront of innovation in their industries. We’d also like to congratulate our Golf & Gala scholarship winner Kadidia Bocoum, whose inspiring story is what drives our mission.
“The Y taught me that I could make a difference, that my voice mattered, and that I had the power to influence and inspire those around me.” - Kadidia Bocoum, Teens Take the City & Rowe Scholars participant
Thank you to the hilarious Curb Your Enthusiasm star J.B. Smoove for emceeing and to our dedicated Golf & Gala committee, co-led by Larry Bremer and Kris Magel, whose enthusiasm and partnership made for such an incredible day. Please enjoy photos from our Golf & Gala photo gallery.
Summer Day Campers Thank You!
As we say goodbye to our final session of Summer Day Camp kids on August 23, we're reflecting on just how great of a summer it has been - and we couldn't have done it without you. Together, we provided financial assistance for 28% of campers, offering them a safe place to make new friends, learn new skills, and be themselves this summer.
August is National Make-A-Will Month
As summer trips come to an end and before fall obligations begin, take advantage of the opportunity to consider your legacy by making a will.
Why create a will?
1. It's an important legal document everyone should have.
A will is a powerful document that lets you distribute your property and protect your loved ones after you pass away. A will isn’t just for passing along your property; it’s also for naming caretakers for your pets, choosing guardians for minor children, and designating charitable donations. Having a will can also speed up probate, the court-supervised process of distributing your assets.
2. It provides peace of mind for you and your family.
Everyone, regardless of their wealth, should have a will because of the peace of mind and ease that it can bring, particularly to your loved ones. If there is no will, things tend to get complicated quickly — possibly leading to a delay in settlements.
3. It helps you create your legacy.
Many people want to leave a positive impact on the world. A great way to do this is to support the charities or causes you love most. When you support the YMCA of Greater New York in your will, you join the Heritage Society, a community of dedicated supporters who have included the YMCA in their estate plans and are recognized throughout the year for their generosity.
There are many online tools and resources to help you get started with your will. We also recommend that you consult a tax advisor or an estate planning professional.
Visit our website for more information on joining the Heritage Society at the YMCA of Greater New York or email Jessica Raha at jraha@ymcanyc.org.
Safety First with the CDC Foundation
The Y is pleased to announce it has been awarded a grant to expand access to basic swimming and water safety skills training in New York City. Funding for this effort is provided by the CDC Foundation through a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The CDC Foundation’s generous gift of $125,000 has enabled the Y to expand our Second Grade Swim programming to additional grades this year, serving hundreds of children ages 6-15.
In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the CDC Foundation is dedicated to building an evidence-based approach to drowning prevention. The CDC recently released a report underscoring the critical need for effective strategies to prevent drowning-related injuries and deaths. Drowning is the cause of approximately 4,500 deaths in the U.S each year, and disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. The report found that approximately one half (54.7%) of U.S. adults reported never having taken a swimming lesson, and that Hispanic and Black adults were less likely to have taken swimming lessons.
We are thrilled to partner with the CDC Foundation to provide basic swimming and water safety skills training, free of charge, to hundreds of New York City public school students. Last year, we provided 38,000 swim lessons to New Yorkers. The Foundation’s support allows us to reach more children, equipping them with essential skills that can save lives.
Thank you, CDC Foundation, for your partnership. Together, we are making waves towards a future where every child has access to essential water safety education.