YMCA OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS PRESENTS THE HIGHEST HONORS & AWARDS TO VOLUNTEERS ACROSS NORTH TEXAS

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DALLAS, TEXAS (April 20, 2023) – The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas held its 137th Annual Celebration to commemorate the service of volunteers throughout North Texas. The event has been a tradition of the organization since it was founded. Awardees are thoughtfully selected and recognized for their individual contribution and impact, helping to create lasting personal and social change.

“At the Y, volunteerism holds the highest form of respect and service. We’re grateful to have incredible people who donate their time and help us transform our work and reach the communities who rely on us the most,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.

In the last year, with the help of volunteers, the YMCA was able to distribute more than 350,000 meals and 85,000 snacks for children in preschool and afterschool programs. During the holiday season, staff and volunteers at seven Y branches assembled and delivered boxes to roughly 350 families all within 24 hours as part of the Y’s Catalyst Initiative. Volunteers were also integral to the success of the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, the Y’s largest event of the year, where nearly 16,000 people gather in downtown Dallas.

“Generational giving is part of what makes the Y experience so unique,” said Hazelbaker. “When parents show their children the value of giving back to others, it sends a powerful message and becomes ingrained into how they view the world. That’s why we’re excited to show our appreciation for those who are truly making a difference.”

For the 2023 awards, more than two dozen volunteers were formally recognized with top awards for their contributions to the YMCA and the community, including two life-long YMCA leaders.

  • Howard Etheridge - The Theodore P. Beasley Distinguished Leadership Award. The Theodore P. Beasley Distinguished Leadership Award is given annually in recognition of outstanding service and volunteer leadership to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.

Etheridge’s journey with the Y began in 1967 when he volunteered at the Turkey Trot after seeing his own father take part, and ever since, it became his life’s mission to make a positive difference in the lives of those around him. Over the last four decades, Etheridge has filled various roles at the Y, including volunteering for Community Services as part of the Downtown Dallas Campaign and served on branch boards throughout the metroplex. Etheridge also managed the Y’s Strategic Planning and Finance Committees. During his term, he spearheaded the board’s first million-dollar campaign and has sustained funding efforts equaling $4.5 million.

In 2022, Etheridge joined the Park South Family YMCA Board where he quickly assumed the role of Corporate Partnership Committee Chair. His expertise and passion for building partnerships helped to strengthen the YMCA’s relationships with local businesses and organizations, furthering its mission to serve the community. In addition to his board volunteerism, Howard was also a soccer coach and Adventure Guides Leader for the Semones YMCA.

Watch his story: https://youtu.be/3YY_qJfhT6Y

 

  • Bruce Klingman - Charles P. Storey Award. The Charles P. Storey Strong Communities Award is presented to a YMCA volunteer who has demonstrated commitment and has been instrumental in the creation and perpetuation of a local YMCA.

Klingman is a prominent member of the Moody Family YMCA, where he has dedicated over 40 years of volunteer service leading local and national initiatives including raising awareness of the Adventure Guides program. He’s also integral in the financial success of the YMCA. He served as the Chair of the Annual Campaign in 2001, raising $258,130, which was 108% of the goal.

Today, Klingman continues to volunteer as a member of the Major Gifts Division to raise funds for the construction of the Moody branch project. Klingman’s level of leadership and service has been unparalleled, and his passion and dedication have guided the Y every step of the way.

Watch his story: https://youtu.be/3ZAmc68DaUo

 

    Sam Winstead Volunteer of the Year Awardees:

    • Harry Polly - Camp Grady Spruce
    • Rickey Primrose - Coppell Family YMCA
    • Adrian Perez - Cross Timbers Family YMCA
    • Michele Taylor - Frisco Family YMCA
    • Sandi Woods - Grand Prairie Family YMCA
    • Kenneth Cullins - J.E.R Chilton YMCA at Rockwall
    • John Smiley - Lake Highlands Family YMCA
    • Tiffany Garcia - McKinney Family YMCA
    • Dane W. Block, Jr. - Moody Family YMCA
    • Sandra Brewer - Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff
    • Shanay Wise - Park South Family YMCA
    • Patrick Ramsier - Plano Family YMCA
    • Joel Dyke - Richardson Family YMCA
    • Joe Mazza - Semones Family YMCA
    • Pam Abel - T. Boone Pickens YMCA
    • Kim Higdon - Waxahachie Family YMCA
    • Lynn Meyer - White Rock YMCA
    • Renee Bennett - YMCA Serving the Irving Community
    • Alfonso Hernandez - YMCA Serving the West Dallas Community

    Youth Character Awardees

    • Alexandra Smith – 10th Grade, Semones Family YMCA
    • Carson Tittle – 12th Grade, JER Chilton YMCA at Rockwall
    • Hiya Sharma – 12th Grade, Plano Family YMCA
    • Joshua Lee – 12th Grade Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff
    • Kate Markham – 12th Grade, Coppell Family YMCA
    • Ria Rana – 10th Grade, White Rock YMCA
    • Ryker Durden – 11th Grade, Coppell Family YMCA
    • Trey Bass – 12th Grade, Coppell Family YMCA

    About the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

    The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women and children each year, regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in 21 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The Y ensures all people have equitable access to the essentials needed to become thriving members of the community. Daily, the Y bridges and fills individual and community needs as a catalyst for impactful change. The YMCA makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, with three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org.