News 7 - YMCA of Greater Providence

October 7, 2019

SPRING FORWARD

With 2019 off to a strong start, our steadfast commitment to foster strength and vitality in the communities we serve has never been stronger.

Our focus remains on the execution of a detailed strategic plan to drive accelerated growth and investment in our facilities. Annual giving is on the rise at +15% compared to last year and overall debt has been reduced by 40% since 2016. We are also gearing up for the Best Summer Ever with camp registrations at an all-time high up 48% over last year.

The depth and breadth of our leadership team continue to grow with the recent appointment of Nicole Dominguez as Chief Marketing Officer and Tom Noret, Executive Director at our South County YMCA location.

At the Y, we believe that the zip code you are born into should not determine your destiny or limit your potential. As one of America’s most impactful nonprofits, we’re working to close the opportunity gap in our communities through the implementation of a new branch-wide Membership for All program. This income-based membership rate scale welcomes all individuals and families to become active members of the Y, no matter what their financial circumstances may be. Visit a Y near you for details.

Thank you for believing in the Y’s important mission and continuing to help build equity in the neighborhoods we serve.

With Dignity and Respect,
Steven G. O’Donnell

LEADERSHIP TEAM GROWTH

NICOLE DOMINGUEZ, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Nicole will oversee the strategic direction and transformation of the organization’s fund development marketing, membership, digital engagement, and public relations strategies.

TOM NORET, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTH COUNTY YMCA

Tom will lead fundraising efforts, provide cause-driven leadership, volunteer development, membership and program administration, and community relations at the South County YMCA.

SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 20 @ CROWN PLAZA HOTEL WARWICK

2019 Y HEROES CELEBRATION: APRIL 23

With tickets sales up 25% YOY, our biggest fundraiser of the year is almost sold out. This special luncheon honors YMCA Heroes who are passionately making a difference in the lives of others every day. Ticket purchases support our mission of improving the health and well-being of children and families in our community. Sponsorship packages are still available. Call Cathy Azzoli at 401.521.9622 ext. 50120 or email cazzoli@gpymca.org.

SUMMER CAMP OPEN HOUSE: APRIL 6

With hundreds of camp offerings, the Y creates an exciting, safe environment for children of all ages to have an unforgettable summer! Day camp and overnight camp options available. Meet camp counselors, tour our facilities and campgrounds, participate in fun camp activities, and learn how to register at our Open House on Saturday, April 6 from 10-2pm. RSVP: camp.ymcagreaterprovidence.org.

LIDS FOR KIDS

Ocean State Job Lot and Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Elmwood Sports Center and the YMCA of Greater Providence, Little Leagues, and Boys & Girls Clubs across New England, is launching its first ‘Lids for Kids’ initiative as part of its greater ‘Teaming Up’ program to encourage participation in team sports. Through the partnership, 135,000 youth sports hats will be available free of charge for all area non-profits who work with youth, Little League baseball and softball organizations, Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken teams, and other local sports teams and organizations. With over 30,000 hats distributed to date, organizers or coaches may visit elmwoodsportscenter.com to select styles and colors. Hats can be picked up at a participating YMCA or Boys and Girls Club location or shipped directly at a reduced rate. For additional questions about your order, or to see if your organization qualifies, contact Elmwood Sports Center at 401-781-9113.

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIPS

We proudly welcome Lifespan and Pet Food Expert employees to the Y family. The YMCA Corporate Membership Program helps employers improve the health and well-being of their workforce. By partnering with the Y, your employees have the opportunity to be part of a place where people can build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance and become more engaged with their community. Contact: Kim Donald kdonald@gpymca.org to develop a corporate membership program tailored to your business’s unique corporate membership needs.

FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS

Based on a 2018 member survey, facility improvements were at the top of our members wish-list. With the help of recent facility fees, we continue to make significant investments in our branches to elevate the member experience. Smart TVs were recently installed in all branches to increase program visibility, member engagement, and overall communication. New flooring was installed in the family locker room at Kent County. Window shading was added to the Cranston location, and tile work is underway at Bayside. New state-of-the-art cardio equipment at all facilities will be coming soon along with new heating and air conditioning units in gymnasiums at Kent County, South County, Newman, and Bayside locations.

New tile flooring in the family locker room at Kent County YMCA

FES BIKE INSTALLATION

A new functional electrical stimulation (FES) bike was recently installed at the South County branch. This FES bike expands access to unique therapy that improves fitness in patients living with paralysis. The bike uses a pulse of electrical current to stimulate peripheral nerves evoking muscle contractions and patterned muscle activity to help those who suffer from neurological disease or injury. The purchase of the FES bike was made possible through donations from the YMCA of Greater Providence’s 2018 Dancing Under the Stars event and an unexpected $25,000 donation from Joe Nagle, President, and CEO, Delta Dental.

by GPYMCA

October 7, 2019

To Our Y Family,

With a productive Q2 close, many of the goals set for 2019 have been achieved beginning with a dedicated focus on improving the overall membership experience. Significant investments have been made across our six locations throughout the state from new air-conditioning units to new flooring to new windows, your valuable feedback has been heard and is being put into action. Finally, coming early fall, members at all locations can enjoy new, state-of-the-art cardio equipment valued at $1.5 million dollars.

As Rhode Island’s leading summer camp provider, registrations are at an all-time high up +14% YOY . We continue to see positive growth in new members, which are also on the rise at +6% YOY.

On June 8, we joined YMCAs around the world to celebrate the Y’s 175th birthday with a day of action. In honor of this special occasion, staff members, along with our neighbors, volunteered 175 minutes of their time to improve the grounds at Camp Fuller.

The Y is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that counts on the generosity of our members and community partners to help us continue our vital work and we are deeply grateful for your support. We’re always looking to improve your experience and value your opinion. Feel free to email me directly at any time.

Best wishes for a safe and joyous Independence Day.

Steven G. O’Donnell
CEO, YMCA of Greater Providence

WE’RE SHAPING UP YOUR EXPERIENCE

You deserve the best, which is why we’re investing in our facilities more than ever as a result of your facility fees.

BAYSIDE FAMILY YMCA: A new refreshing air conditioning system will be installed and up and running by the end of July.

CRANSTON YMCA: Beautiful new windows have been installed in the pool area. Currently in progress is the redesign of the Health and Wellness Center to accommodate the new Adaptive Fitness Equipment, which will be completed by the end of July. Also, underway are improvements to the showers in the family, women, and men’s locker rooms.

EAST SIDE/MT. HOPE YMCA: The flooring in the family, women, and men’s locker rooms is currently being replaced along with freshly painted walls. The roof above the pool is also being replaced.

KENT COUNTY YMCA: The parking lot was re-striped for improved ease and flow of parking and prep work is underway for the installation of the first-ever air-conditioning system for the gymnasium to be running by the end of July.

NEWMAN YMCA: A new refreshing air conditioning system will be installed and up and running by August.

SOUTH COUNTY YMCA: The functional fitness space has a new refreshing air-conditioning system just in time for the summer’s hottest months.

CAMP FULLER: Extensive enhancements have been made to the oldest resident camp in the United States. Families will notice many improvements; campers will drive up to a magnificent cedar entrance with security gates; enjoy eating a in newly remodeled dining hall and kitchen provided by ADS Construction; and admire the beautifully crafted stonework and take advantage of landscape improvements including the removal of invasive species and planting of native shrubs and trees for extra shade provided by Native New England Landscapes. Upgrades made possible by the generosity of the Champlin Foundation and the Tucker Trust.

BEST SUMMER EVER!

And we mean this literally! With camp registrations at a record-breaking high, over 3,000 campers from around the state are enjoying the highly sought-after perks Rhode Island and the Y has to offer. From sailing to cooking to water safety programs to a refreshing fun-filled splash park, the Y offers hundreds of accredited camp offerings for ages 3-16. And there’s still time to sign up your little ones. Visit ybestsummer.org to find a camp near you.

Y HEROES. TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

The 3rd Annual Y Heroes Celebration exceeded expectations drawing in close to 800 guests at the Rhode Island Convention Center to honor six extraordinary individuals who continue to make a significant impact in our community. $300,000 was raised to ensure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Thank you for believing in the Y’s mission. Stay tuned this fall to nominate your 2020 Y Hero.

DANCING UNDER THE STARS SUCCESS

It was a magical night filled with friends, delicious food, fundraising, and highly entertaining dance routines performed by outstanding community professionals. Dancing Under the Stars delivered an unforgettable evening raising well over $50,000 to purchase a new Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bike designed to improve the quality of life for those living with paralysis. Thank you to an incredible cast of dancers, generous donors, the Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation and Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

CVS CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC

Some of the best golfers from the LPGA, PGA and Champions Tours competed for a good cause on June 24 at Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington in the CVS Health Charity Classic.

The event is one of Rhode Island’s largest charitable event series, and since the event’s inception in 1999, co-hosts Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade have raised more than $22 million for local charities that provide vital funding to a variety of programs that support children and families – and the Y is proud to be recognized as one of the preferred charity partners for this event.

For the third straight year, Billy Andrade, Brooke Henderson and Keegan Bradley won the tournament with a 15-under-par. The trio defeated Lexi Thompson, Kevin Kisner and Darren Clarke by one stroke.

POWER LUNCHES SPONSORED BY NATIONAL GRID

Climate change is a huge threat to human civilization which is why the Y has teamed up with National Grid, Blackstone Health, and BankRI to help seniors in our neighborhoods cool off during the growing summer heat.

Seniors ages 60+ are invited to beat the heat in a refreshing air-conditioned environment at the Cranston YMCA while enjoying a delicious FREE lunch catered by Blackstone Health. You’ll also learn helpful resources on finding everyday energy savings around the home through National Grid’s free energy efficiency education classes. Limited space available. Call 401.943.044 to save your spot.

YMCA CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT: OCTOBER 7TH

Save the date: The YMCA of Greater Providence’s annual charity golf tournament will take place on Monday, October 7th at the Alpine Country Club in Cranston, RI. Proceeds benefiting the children and families at our six YMCA locations throughout the state. This event sold out in 2017 and 2018. Registration opens the week of July 8.

ABBY SWIENTON, CHIEF TRANSFORMATION OFFICER, RECEIVES 40 UNDER 40 AWARD

Providence Business News recognizes forty men and women, under the age of 40, who are successful in their careers and involved in their communities. “The YMCA of Greater Providence continues to move forward. We congratulate Abby Swienton and her relentless dedication to serving our neighbors in our community,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, Chief Executive Officer. “It’s truly an honor to have her extraordinary efforts be recognized by the Providence Business News as a 40 Under 40 leader.”

by GPYMCA

October 7, 2019

To Our Y Family,

It’s been a busy, productive, and profitable summer! We continue to see significant gains year-over-year across our four key categories. Membership is up +5% year over year in an industry that, as a whole, has seen a record number of competitors enter the marketplace driven primarily by the rise of on-demand and virtual workouts. Water safety enrollment jumped +20% year over year. Our highly popular summer camps continued to deliver accelerated growth at +4.7% year over year and we’re still hearing rave reviews from children and caretakers. Before and After School Programs registrations are also up +9% year over year. Over the summer, we invested heavily in understanding the needs of our families. With a heightened focus on social-emotional development, we expanded our childcare teams with the addition of a Behavioral Specialist at several locations. In fact, registration is still open.

Since December 2016, overall debt is down 55%. Our steadfast mission to revitalize the Y and invest in our facilities has never been stronger with the completion of several major enhancements this past quarter bringing the total enhancement value close to $4 million dollars since January 2017.

As we move into the holiday season, we’re on a dedicated mission to help reduce the summer learning gap by sending 400 children to our life-changing summer camps. $250 will send one child to one week of camp. When you give to the Y, you’re helping us all move forward. Thank you for your continued support.

With Dignity and Respect,
Steven G. O’Donnell

Steven G. O’Donnell
CEO, YMCA of Greater Providence
sodonnell@gpymca.org

YMCA OF GREATER PROVIDENCE RAISES OVER $130,000 TO SUPPORT CHILDREN & FAMILIES IN NEED

For the third year in a row, the Y’s annual golf tournament has raised over $130,000 to benefit children and families in need throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will go directly to supporting the Y’s financial assistance program, which provides free access to valuable programs such as free memberships, swim lessons, camp scholarships, weight loss classes, and other life-changing programs.

“Our annual golf tournament is one of the most important ways we give back to children and families throughout our seven locations,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, CEO, YMCA of Greater Providence. “This tournament continues to grow each year as a result of our generous community partners like Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center, Inc. and East Commerce Solutions. Everything the Y does is in service of making us— as individuals and a community—better. As Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusett’s leading Y provider, we give over $1.5 million in financial assistance to those who need it most.”

175 golfers traveled from as far as Wisconsin to brave the windy conditions of the Alpine Country Club in Cranston, RI, on Monday, October 7. Coming in at -16 under par were golf veterans Pat Canning, Bed Chatfield, Mark Flaherty, and Frank DeLeo. Other special guests included: two-time Olympic Medalist and current Cast Member of CBS’s Survivor, Island of the Idols, Elizabeth Beisel; Joe Andruzzi, Former New England Patriots’ three-time Super Bowl-winning offensive guard; Yianni Kourakis, award-winning Sports Director for WPRI 12 and FOX Providence; and Andy Gresh, Host of The Gresh Show, WPRO 99/7FM/630AM. Other notable guests and golfers included Nicholas A. Mattiello, Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives; Charles A. Lombardi, Mayor of North Providence; Richard Fossa, Former Mayor of North Providence; and other State Representatives.

Thank you to all golfers and sponsors who supported this special event, especially our Premier Sponsor, Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center, Inc., and to all of our incredibly generous Sponsors.

CYCLE FOR YOUR CAUSE

OCT. 19 @ BAYSIDE FAMILY YMCA

Join the Bayside Family YMCA on Saturday, October 19 from 12-3PM for their annual indoor cycle-a-thon designed to support children and families in need so they can experience the Y’s life-changing programs and services. Open to all ages and abilities for both Y members and non-Y members. Teams now forming.

RIDE OR DONATE

HALLOWEEN BOWL-A-THON

OCT. 26 @ LANG’S BOWLARAMA

Join this year’s spookiest Bowl-a-thon ever! Providence Youth Services, Cranston YMCA, and East Side/Mount Hope YMCA are joining forces to raise funds to support their financial assistance program so that families in need can have access to the Y’s transformative programs. Open to all ages and abilities. Costume contest, prizes, food, drink and more! Wrangle your team of five to secure a lane at Lang’s Bowlarama.

BOWL OR DONATE

SWIM WITH THE PUMPKINS & TRUNK OR TREAT

Calling all ghouls and goblins! We’re filling up our pools with hundreds of inflatable pumpkins so you can enjoy some early Halloween fun! Don’t forget to wear your costumes for our annual Trunk or Treat event too! Dates and times vary by location. Contact your local Y for details.

FIND MY Y

SWING DANCE

NOV. 2

Dance the night away with the highly popular New Providence Big Band at the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington on Saturday, November 2 from 7-10PM. Ticket proceeds benefit families in need at the Bayside Family YMCA. $40 for individuals and $75 per couple. Tickets include: live music, dance lessons, food, and cash bar.

TICKETS

WELCOME NEW Y BOARD MEMBERS

Michael Busam
Pamela Hanson Carbone
John Harkey
Stephen Hug
Carmen Sharp
Grace Swinski

RHODE ISLAND’S FIRST ADAPTIVE GYM

In July, The Gary Tiger Balletto Foundation in partnership with the Y opened Rhode Island’s first adaptive gym at the Cranston YMCA. This uniquely designed gym is situated within the main exercise space, where dedicated, specially-trained YMCA staff are available to assist clients so they can safely and effectively use the equipment. This allows people of all abilities to be surrounded by friends, family, and peers, in a context where all can interact, assist, and enjoy working out together.

This new adaptive gym will offer:

Individualized Fitness Plans
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
Standing Frames
Adaptive Cardio Equipment
Adaptive Strength Machines
Galileo Tilt Table
Personal Training

POWER LUNCHES BY NATIONAL GRID OFFERS FREE LUNCHES FOR SENIORS

By popular demand the Power Lunch program at the Cranston Y, sponsored by National Grid, BankRI, and Blackstone Health, will continue through the end of October. Seniors 60+, who may find themselves increasingly isolated, the Power Lunch program provides a wonderful opportunity to get together in a comfortable setting to share stories, good times, and a delicious meal. National Grid will also be onsite to share helpful resources on how to find everyday energy savings around the home. Power Lunches is offered Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-3:30PM. Call 401-943-0444 to reserve your FREE spot. Limited seating.

NEW LOCATIONS! SHOOTING STARS SCHOOL OF DANCE

Shooting Stars School of Dance is now offering classes in four convenient locations throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Classes are offered for toddlers through adult, for beginners through advanced, and in a variety of different genres: Irish Step, ballet, lyrical, tap, hip-hop, musical theater, jazz, acro/cheer, ballroom and more! Locations: Cranston YMCA, East Side/Mount Hope YMCA, Kent County YMCA, and Newman YMCA. Call your local Y for registration details or visit: gpymca.org/locations.

by GPYMCA

July 29, 2019

RI’S FIRST FULLY ADAPTIVE GYM OPENS

PROVIDES WORKOUT OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN A TRADITIONAL FITNESS FACILITY

WPRI

NBC 10

Cranston, RI: The Greater Providence YMCA – Cranston Branch along with The Gary Tiger Balletto Foundation is proud to announce the opening of Rhode Island’s first adaptive gym program within a traditional fitness facility setting. The program will help those with spinal cord injuries, stroke, traumatic brain injuries and other neurological diseases.

The adaptive gym is situated within the Cranston YMCA’s main exercise space, where dedicated, specially-trained YMCA staff are available to assist clients so they can safely and effectively use the equipment. This setup inside the Y gym is intentional – it is rare for people with spinal cord injuries, and other types of paralysis, to have affordable access to gym equipment which they can use, and even more unusual to find it within an able-bodied gym. This allows people of all abilities to be surrounded by friends, family, and peers, in a context where all can interact, assist, and enjoy working out together.

The adaptive gym is equipped with two Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Bikes, and six additional pieces of high-end exercise equipment.

The gym was founded by Gary “Tiger” Balletto who, unfortunately, knows firsthand about the challenges faced by people with spinal cord injuries. In 2013, after retiring from a 10-year career as a professional boxer, Gary was injured in his backyard while training for American Ninja Warrior. Paralyzed from the chest down, he spent the next 18 months rehabilitating and adapting to his new reality. In the hope that a ‘cure’ would be developed within his lifetime, he has committed to staying healthy and maintaining his muscles, so they are ready – when that time comes. Family and friends helped Gary buy a $20,000 Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Bike- which he kept at the Cranston Y.

The GBF bought an additional FES Bike, and the additional equipment was purchased with grants from the thanks to grants from the Rhode Island Foundation and the June Rockwell Levy Foundation.

“I was extremely fortunate to have the financial resources and support to remain fit and healthy after my accident,” said Balletto. “Others are not so lucky; the Y opened up my eyes to a population of beautiful people who need help. People who want to be in shape and healthy, just like those who are fully able-bodied.”

“Through this programming we are able to meet the health and fitness needs for a segment of our population that is often overlooked,” said Steven O’Donnell, Greater Providence YMCA CEO “There are close to close to 20,000 people in the state living with some form of paralysis and thanks to Gary’s inspirational work, and that of the Gary Tiger Balletto Foundation- the Y can continue to live its mission in helping everyone in our community.”

Working with highly trained staff, this adaptive gym will offer:

Individualized Fitness Plans
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
Standing Frames
Adaptive Cardio Equipment
Adaptive Strength Machines
Galileo Tilt Table
Personal Training

“The Cranston Y is thrilled to be a partner in this endeavor, working with Gary and the Gary Tiger Balletto Foundation to see the adaptive gym come to fruition. Individuals with spinal cord injuries and other forms of paralysis can access a professionally-equipped and staffed gym, close to home for a reasonable cost,” said Andrea Champagne, Executive Director, Cranston YMCA. “This is unheard of – a comparable service through a physical or occupational therapy office is financially out of reach for many people, and insurance in most cases does not cover “maintenance-type” health and fitness programs for more than a few months after an acute injury.”

According to Gary, this is only the beginning. “We’re just going to keep ramping this thing up, and improving our approach, and see where it leads. This concept has been a long time coming, and we have a lot of work ahead of us, which we are looking forward to.”

by GPYMCA

July 24, 2019

Cranston, RI, July 16, 2019: The YMCA of Greater Providence’s Cranston branch is kicking-off its new Power Lunch program, a summer initiative to help senior citizens battle the heat. The program will provide seniors with a cool, comfortable place to enjoy lunch and, in conjunction with National Grid, the opportunity to receive energy efficiency education and resources to address rising energy costs.

Many seniors are living on fixed incomes and may be struggling with the choice to pay for air conditioning or a healthy meal this summer.

The Power Lunch program is offered every weekday from 11 am to 3:30 pm through the summer months at no cost to every Rhode Island resident 60 and over. YMCA membership is not required.

“Seniors are vulnerable to excessive heat and as we are seeing increasing temperatures with climate change, this is an important issue for our seniors and our community,” said Andrea M. Champagne, Executive Director of the Cranston YMCA. “The Power Lunch program is a great way to invite seniors to the Y to cool off, socialize and also learn about energy-saving programs and take advantage of National Grid’s free energy efficiency education classes.”

“We’re proud to help support the YMCA’s new Power Lunch program,” said Brian Schuster, Director of Community and Customer Management with National Grid Rhode Island. “As summer temps continue to climb, it’s a creative way to help many seniors beat the heat. It’s also a great opportunity to show how communities can come together to be more energy-efficient and for National Grid to help educate our senior customers about the many programs we have available to assist them.”

The Power Lunch program is also made possible through donations from Blackstone Health and BankRI.

“Here at the YMCA, our cause is our community. The Y is so much more than a gym. We can do the most good when we work together, meeting the critical needs of our friends and neighbors,” said Steven G. O Donnell, CEO Greater Providence YMCA. “For seniors, who may find themselves increasingly isolated, the Power Lunch provides a wonderful chance to get together, in a comfortable setting especially on hot days, to share stories, good times and a great meal. We are grateful to National Grid, Blackstone Health, and BankRI for their support of our new Power Lunch program.”

by GPYMCA

July 19, 2019

The YMCA of Greater Providence is offering free access to members’ guests this weekend to help beat the anticipated extreme heat and humidity expected over the next several days. The Y is a refreshing place to cool-off and enjoy together time with family and friends.

With spacious indoor and outdoor pools, hydration stations, an entertaining spray park, and refreshing air-conditioned facilities, the Y provides a great option to stay cool and safeguard against heat-related illnesses.

Members can invite another family, free of charge, to come and cool-off at the Y this weekend at one of the YMCA of Greater Providence locations: Bayside Family YMCA; Cranston YMCA; East Sid/Mt. Hope YMCA; Kent County YMCA; Newman YMCA, and the South County YMCA. For more information, hours of operation, and to find a Y location near you, click here

Facility features vary by location
ID required
Up to six guests per family
Valid through Monday, July 22, 2019

In addition, the YMCA’s new Power Lunch program for Senior Citizens is continuing Monday – Friday from 11:30-3:30 pm at the Cranston YMCA. Any Rhode Islander over 60 years old is invited for a free lunch and an opportunity to socialize and learn about energy resources that are available to help beat the heat.

by GPYMCA

June 28, 2019

**SOLD-OUT DANCING UNDER THE STARS EVENT RAISES $50,000 FOR NEW FES BIKE**

YMCA OF GREATER PROVIDENCE TO EXPAND ACCESSIBILITY TO ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT

Warwick, RI: The YMCA of Greater Providence’s Dancing Under the Stars gala held at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick on June 20 drew a sold-out crowd of 300 people and featured a dance competition with nine business and community leaders who were paired with expert dance partners from Fred Astaire Dance Studios. The event raised $50,000, which will go directly towards the purchase of a Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES) bike. This uniquely designed exercise bike helps improve the cardiovascular health in patients with neurological and spinal cord injuries.

“At the YMCA, we believe we have something special- a sense of community- and that everyone should have access to it, along with programs and services that help us learn, grow and thrive,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Providence. “We count on the generosity of our local community partners to help us continue our vital work and are deeply grateful for all of the support.”

The YMCA partnered with the Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation and Fred Astaire Dance Studio in the second annual Dancing Under the Stars Gala. On March 26, 2003, 12-year-old Tori Lynn Andreozzi was struck by a drunk driver and suffered a traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Tori, who uses the FES bike at the Newman and South County YMCAs, participated as a spotlight dancer.

The Dance Awards went to:

Top vote getter and People’s Choice – Karl Wadensten, VIBCO CEO
Judge’s Pick – Sara Firetto, Providence College Director Alumni Relations
Most Entertaining – Mira Estaphanous, USI Insurance Services, Inc.

Other Guest Dancers (who also performed amazingly well) included: Hilina Ajakaiye, Founder R.I.S.E. Women’s Leadership Conference; Katrina Delicato, Rhode Island Convention Center; Christina Cho, Balletto Realty/Tiger Balletto Foundation; Gary Balletto, Balletto Realty/Tiger Balletto Foundation; Swetha Nataraj, MD, Fall River Nephrology; and Kishore Lakshman, MD, Prima-Care Medical Center.

Gene Valicenti from Channel 10 News was the guest host, and judges included: Rogelio Garcia: Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Barbara Morse Silva: Channel 10 News and Rosie Fernandez: Cox Communications and last year’s Dancing Under the Stars Champion.

by GPYMCA

May 9, 2019

Two student triathletes, two business leaders, a lifelong Y-legend and a First Circuit Court of Appeals Judge were honored for their ongoing and inspirational leadership at the third annual Y-Heroes celebration at the Rhode Island Convention Center on April 23rd. The event brought nearly 800 people together – including U. S. Senator Jack Reed, New England Patriots Fullback James Devlin, and keynote speaker the Honorable Bruce Selya – to recognize the 2019 Y-Heroes and to connect over a shared passion of supporting the community. Money raised from the event supports the Greater Providence YMCA mission of improving the health and well-being of children and families in our communities.

“We are humbled and inspired by the outpouring of support from so many corners of our community. We are proud to have these amazing heroes on our team,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, CEO, Greater Providence YMCA. “While this event formally honors the remarkable achievements of a select few, every day we are inspired by the many dedicated donors, nonprofits and community partners that play a vital role in advancing our mission.”

This is the first time young student triathletes were selected as Y-Heroes. Abby Butlin, a 7th grader at the Wheeler School, and Finn Pansa, a 5th grader at Guiteras Elementary in Bristol, were both recognized for their devotion to helping others –including their participation in the Race4Chase triathlon benefiting the CMAK Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to remembering Chase Kowalski, the students and educators of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

The Y was pleased to recognize, Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson who was the first African- American and second woman to serve on the First Circuit United State Court of Appeals. An inspirational leader and role model, Judge Thompson has a deep understanding of the community and a deep commitment to fairness and balance.

Businessman and passionate philanthropist Edward Medeiros, CEO of East Commerce Solutions was recognized for his broad and enduring commitment to charitable causes from creating a special scholarship fund to organizing a Thanksgiving turkey run that has fed 20,000 families. He supports numerous charities and is committed to the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Y-Hero Peter Marino, President & CEO of Neighborhood Health has devoted not only his personal talents to the Y but also the power of Neighborhood Health’s complementary mission to improve the lives and health of hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders.

A lifelong Y legend, Stephen Palmer was honored as a 2019 Y-Hero. Stephen began his affiliation with the Y at age seven and his life has been intertwined with the YMCA ever since. He served nationally and internationally as a Y advocate uniting thousands under the Y movement. He served as the chairman of both the Greater Providence YMCA and the Y USA Board of Directors.

PETER MARINO, PRESIDENT & CEO OF NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH PLAN OF RHODE ISLAND

HONORABLE O. ROGERIEE THOMPSON, FIRST CIRCUIT UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

ABBY BULIN & FINN PANSA, STUDENTS & TRIATHLETES

EDWARD MEDEIROS, FOUNDER & CEO OF EAST COMMERCE SOLUTIONS

STEPHEN PALMER, Y USA LEGEND

WPRI: “YMCA HOSTS HEROES LUNCHEON”

by GPYMCA

April 1, 2019

MEET THEM APRIL 23

The YMCA of Greater Providence and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island invite you to attend a special luncheon honoring the 2019 Y HEROES who are passionately making a difference in the lives of others every day. Your ticket purchase supports the YMCA’s mission of improving the health and well-being of children and families in our community. Online registration is now closed, but donations to this event are still welcomed. For ticket information, please contact Cathy Azzoli at 401.427.1820 or cazzoli@gpymca.org

MEET OUR HEROES

Heroes comes in all ages. Be in the know, meet our heroes below!

Y HEROES TEASER #1

Y HEROES TEASER #2

EDWARD MEDEIROS

STEPHEN PALMER

PETER MARINO

FINN & ABBY

by GPYMCA

March 29, 2019

OCEAN STATE JOB LOT LAUNCHES ‘LIDS FOR KIDS’ TO PROVIDE FREE HATS TO YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES

PARTNERSHIP WITH ELMWOOD SPORTS CENTER TO DELIVER 135,000 HATS ACROSS NEW ENGLAND

Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) and the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Elmwood Sports Center and select YMCAs, Little Leagues, and Boys & Girls Clubs across New England, is launching its first ‘Lids for Kids’ initiative as part of its greater ‘Teaming Up’ program to encourage participation in team sports. Through the partnership, 135,000 youth sports hats will be available free of charge for all area non-profits who work with youth, Little League baseball and softball organizations, Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken teams, and other local sports teams and organizations.

“Ocean State Job Lot is widely known for its buying power and ability to offer a vast array of items, which can sometimes be unique,” said David Sarlitto, Executive Director, Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation. “Within the model, our company was able to obtain a large quantity of hats, and we immediately saw an opportunity to help those in our community.”

Beginning on Monday, March 25th, organizers or coaches of interested non-profits and sports teams may log on to www.elmwoodsportscenter.com to select hat styles and colors. The hat is free of charge; custom embroidery will be available at a discounted rate. All hats may be picked up at Elmwood Sports Center, located at 1553 Elmwood Ave, Cranston, RI; a participating YMCA or Boys & Girls Club location; or shipped directly at a reduced rate. For additional questions about your order, or to see if your organization qualifies, contact Elmwood Sports Center at 401-781-9113.

“Ocean State Job Lot and Elmwood Sports are valued partners of the YMCA of Greater Providence and we share similar visions,” said Steve O’Donnell, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Providence. “We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of Ocean State Job Lot. We invite families and little league teams to pick up their hats at their nearest Y, tour the facility, and see first-hand all the amazing resources the Y has to offer.”

“We are extremely excited to be able to partner with Ocean State Job Lot, the YMCA, Little Leagues and the Boys & Girls Club to provide hats to so many kids in need in our area,” said Matthew Marocco, President, Elmwood Sports Center. “We have proudly been a team dealer for sports and youth organizations since 1949, and have pledged continued support to youth sports in Rhode Island, New England and beyond.”