YMCA Community,
Today is St. Patrick's Day, and we are definitely feeling lucky this year. One year ago today we had to close the doors of our YMCA Branches. As of 5:30am this morning, all of our Branch doors are now open in Sacramento, Oroville, and Woodland. And we aren't the only ones feeling lucky today.
There are many in our community who were in luck to have the Y in their time of need. Essential workers and medical staff relied on YMCA care and distance learning support for their children. The Y served over 130,000 meals to the hungry. YMCA Fitness Centers hosted socially distanced blood drives during critical shortages to save lives. Seniors received welfare calls and virtual fitness programs while sheltering in place.
This luck didn't come from picking four-leaf clovers. It's because of you. The Members who chose to #StayWithUs during closures. The donors who answered our call to support our COVID-19 relief programs. Y-Team Members who braved uncertain and ever changing conditions to serve. Volunteers who saw their Y in need and came to support us when we were stretched to our limits. The grantors who recognized the Y as the best positioned to take on their cause. To all of you, thank you.
This chapter in our 165 year history isn't over yet, but seeing Y Members back in their green workout clothes today is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel... or the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
We are lucky to continue our unbroken legacy of service. Your continued support of the Y will help us overcome the loss from closures so we can get back to doing the work that always needs to be done. Teaching children to swim and be safe around water. Healthy living, nutrition, and fitness for all ages. Safe spaces for children. Youth and Government leadership programs for teens to become engaged future leaders. Teamwork and value building through youth sports. This past year we have all sorely missed that feeling of community, and now we know the true value. Let's build a stronger community together, even better than we had before.
Lucky to have you,
Sharna Braucks
President & CEO
YMCA of Superior California