YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Celebrates 136th Year of Serving North Texas

2022 Annual Celebration honored YMCA volunteers, Y’s commitment to serving 

families and the community

 

DALLAS (April 21, 2022) – The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas held its 136th Annual Celebration on Wednesday, to recognize and honor volunteers who have supported the organization throughout the year through community events, programs, and day-to-day activities across the metroplex. 

“Our volunteers are the lifeline to the Y. We couldn’t be where we are today without their dedication and spirit of service,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President, and CEO, of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “Every volunteer has a story to tell, whether they’re a coach, advisor, or intern, they’re deeply connected to our mission to enrich the lives of those in the Dallas community.”

This year during the YMCA Day of Giving!, the Y raised more than $200,000 to fund the Catalyst Initiative, the Y’s ongoing COVID relief effort which supports food distribution, blood drives, and childcare, the Y Summer Learning Academies, eliminating childhood drowning, Summer Camps, healthy living, preschool, STEM programs, youth sports, Youth & Government and the Ashford Rise School of Dallas.

“I believe what makes the Y so unique is the generational impact of our volunteers,” continued Hazelbaker. “They influence their children, and in some cases, their grandchildren about the critical role we all play in taking care of each other. It’s a valuable lesson taught early on and I’m excited we can be a part of their journey.” 

During this year’s event, three respected YMCA volunteers were formally recognized with top awards for their contributions to the YMCA and the community.

 

  • Amye Thompson Hollins, George L. Allen Award. The George L. Allen Award is earned through outstanding leadership in service to a community or to a special group of people who experience unique challenges. Hollins was the first African-American woman to Chair the Annual Campaign and Chair the Board of Management at T. Boone Pickens YMCA. She has led services for the catalyst initiative throughout downtown and south Dallas communities. Hollins is also a member of the League of Women, advocating for voting rights and redistricting committees. Her passion for servant leadership is deeply rooted in her character and in motivating others.

 

  • Crayton Webb has served on the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Association Board since 2010 and served as Chair from 2018-2020. He was also a member of the CEO Search Committee that helped launch the “Building Stronger Communities for All” plan. Webb’s sense of social responsibility to his community was clear early in his career as a reporter and continues to help tell stories of the Y and its members today through his advocacy.

 

  • Dr. Klyne Smith, McKinney Family YMCA member and educator, focusing his passion on coaching and mentoring kids and teens for most of the Y’s Youth & Government events, as well as other non-profits throughout the metroplex. He helped grow the YMCA Day of Giving in McKinney, established the Sports with Blues, and has led the Leadership Committee since 2017. 

 

The YMCA also honored volunteers in each community served. The following individuals received the Sam Winstead Volunteer of the Year awards:

  • Chad Huffhines, Camp Grady Spruce
  • Dallas Jones, Collin County Adventure Camp 
  • Megan Cusack, Coppell Family YMCA
  • Judy Dale, Cross Timbers Family YMCA
  • Hillis Davis, Frisco Family YMCA
  • Michelle Madden, Grand Prairie Family YMCA
  • Mike Atkins, JER Chilton YMCA At Rockwall
  • Phil Lamb, Lake Highlands Family YMCA
  • Carolyn Searles, McKinney Family YMCA
  • Theresa Towner, Moody Family YMCA
  • Lisa Evans, Moorland Family YMCA At Oak Cliff
  • Royle King Sr., YMCA Serving The West Dallas Community
  • LaToya Porter, Park South Family YMCA
  • Chi Egwuekwe, Plano Family YMCA
  • Julius “JD” Odom, Richardson Family YMCA
  • Paul Wachsman, Semones Family YMCA
  • Veorge Weathersby, T. Boone Pickens YMCA
  • Dr. Jennifer Smolka, Waxahachie Family YMCA 
  • Andrew Rohbacher, White Rock YMCA
  • Vicki Yanez, YMCA Serving The Irving Community

 

Youth Character Awards:

  • Liliana Arevalo, 12th Grade 
  • Ainsley Burkes, 11th Grade
  • Nanthanat Chumpirom, 12th Grade 
  • Connor Smith, 12th Grade
  • Evan Lee, 12th Grade 
  • Lindsay Khuu, 10th Grade
  • Malachi Thompson, 4th Grade



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. 

 

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