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.”
