"We Treasure You" Annual Celebration awards
With an apt theme: “We Treasure You,” YMCA of the Suncoast celebrated outstanding volunteers earlier this month. The celebration was held at the beautiful Ruth Eckerd Hall, where we were pleased to recognize our 2023 Volunteers of the Year! Approximately 170 staff, volunteers, donors and friends were in attendance.
The Annual Celebration, happening for nearly 50 years, is an event where we highlight amazing individuals who significantly impact the communities we serve. We honor adult and youth volunteers from our branches as Volunteers of the Year, thank our Chairman’s Round Table donors and share stories of impact from the previous year. It is an evening full of fellowship and celebration when we are honored to elevate those who have a hand in helping us serve.
Jason Dukas, longtime Y member, past John Geigle YMCA Advisory Council Chair and passionate YMCA of the Suncoast champion was the recipient of the 2023 Chairman’s Award. The Ruth & J O Stone Foundation was awarded the Community Partner Champion award for their contribution to our FLOAT program, which teaches lifesaving swimming skills to infants and toddlers. Their $100k donation is helping to offset the cost of this lifesaving program for Pinellas County families furthering our continuous priority of drowning prevention.
The evening featured a few stories of impact from 2023 including a montage of seniors sharing the importance of the Y and the story of Jackie, our Greater Palm Harbor member, a cancer survivor, who participated in our first Project Rally Pickleball group.
A surprise event highlight was the Stewardship Award for our President & CEO, G. Scott Goyer, who recently announced his retirement coming up in November. The Stewardship Award is the highest honor a YMCA staff member can receive. Scott was honored for his lifetime of service to the YMCA movement. Longtime YMCA of the Suncoast members, volunteers, board members and supporters - David Brandon and Allen Crumbley presented Scott with the Award.
Congratulations all and thank you for being on the YMCA of the Suncoast family!
Published Wednesday, May 29, 2024.