YMCA’s STRONGER TOGETHER bash recognizes volunteers and donors, sets fundraising goal

Posted on May 6, 2021 By Editor Brooklyn, Downtown, Springfield, Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill, San Jose, San Marco, St. Nicholas

Shelly Boynton celebrates her recognition as Volunteer of the Year by the YMCA with her family during this year’s Y-Bash.

The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast recently celebrated organizations and individuals who are helping it meet its mission to transform lives during its eleventh annual Y-Bash “STRONGER TOGETHER” event. The organization also announced it fundraising goal to raise $2.147 million to support programs such as safety around water, youth development and supporting seniors.

“When the pandemic landed on our doorstep and we had to close our First Coast Y branches, we were determined to find ways to stay connected to our members and support our community,” said Eric K. Mann, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast president and CEO. “The work we do has never been more important, and we’re grateful for the many staff members, generous donors, volunteers, members and partners who have invested their time and talent to help maintain the Y’s commitment to build a brighter future.”

VyStar Credit Union was presented with the 2020 Corporate Partner of the Year award during the event for its more than two decades of work with the Y. VyStar employees are involved as advisory board volunteers across First Coast YMCA branches. VyStar has also been a critical community partner during Y events such as Operation Salute Back to School Bash and Thingamajig, as well as corporate wellness initiatives.

“We were glad to work with the Y to help serve our community amidst the pandemic, and we’re appreciative of this recognition of our alignment with the Y to support community building, our youth and our military,” said Brian Wolfburg, president and CEO of VyStar Credit Union.

The Y also recognized its Employees of the Year, Allison Krabill and Nicole Payne. As executive director of the First Coast Y’s Camp Immokalee, Krabill provided critical support to Keystone Heights families in need of emergency childcare and led virtual fitness classes for kids to ensure they had opportunities to stay active and healthy.

As the group exercise leader at the Brooks Family YMCA, Payne worked with the Y’s largest LIVESTRONG program which supports cancer survivors. She also helped Christmas wishes come true for more than 100 deserving children.

Shelly Boynton was honored as Volunteer of the Year for her 10 years of service on the First Coast YMCA’s Metropolitan Board where she supported the development of the Stronger Together campaign, leading more than 40 volunteers across the First Coast to represent all 15 Y branch locations.