PROVIDENCE, RI – The Greater Providence YMCA (GPYMCA) held its annual Y Heroes Celebration this morning. The annual event honors individuals and organizations who have made an outstanding commitment to the mission of the GPYMCA.
Funds raised through Y Heroes will support the GPYMCA’s community programming, which includes childcare, financial assistance for neighbors in need, swim lessons, lifeguard training, food inequity programs, and youth enrichment programs.
“I am incredibly grateful to our 2024 Y Heroes for their unwavering commitment to the GPYMCA. Since joining the GPYMCA as CEO in March, I have had the opportunity to meet many incredible individuals who make up the GPYMCA community. Our amazing executive directors, staff, partners, camp counselors, dedicated members, swim instructors, and committed donors have made the GPYMCA one of the region’s most impactful and essential community pillars. It is clear to me that the GPYMCA is filled with heroes dedicated to our mission,” said Karen Santilli, CEO of the Greater Providence YMCA. “This year’s slate of honorees fully embodies our core value that The Y is an organization for everyone. We’re here for the entire community, from childcare and before and after school programming to dance classes, swim lessons, healthy aging, and summer camp.”
2024 Y Heroes Honorees (In alphabetical order);
- Helena Buonanno Foulkes, long time supporter of the GPYMCA
- New England Laborers Training Academy, led by Dan Bianco, Michael Sabitoni, and Jay Sabitoni
- Ray Rickman, Executive Director, Stages of Freedom
- Steven G. O’Donnell, former CEO of the GPYMCA
- University of Rhode Island Greek Life, led by Nathan Goulart and Victoria Johnson
Established by former CEO Steven O’Donnell, the GPYMCA’s Y Heroes Celebration has been recognizing the community contributions of individuals and organizations since 2017.
GPYMCA includes six branch locations across Rhode Island and in Seekonk, Massachusetts, plus Providence Youth Services, Camp Fuller, and the Shooting Stars School of Dance in Seekonk. The organization provides programs for Rhode Islanders and Massachusetts residents of all ages and supports equitable access to health, fitness, recreational, and other services. In addition, GPYMCA supports high-quality out-of-school time programs and other community-based approaches to delivering health and wellness opportunities, academic enrichment and achievement, and youth development skills.
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