Y Spotlight on Fundraising: Having Fun Raising Important Scholarship Funds

Our hats are off to Kathie and Gary Williams, the hosts of a 10 Course Chinese Dinner that raised $5,000 for the Y of Central New Mexico. Kathie, a fabulous gourmet cook, sold raffle tickets to several of her friends with the grand prize being her 10 Course Chinese Dinner. $5,000 was raised and Bill Johnson of the Y Corporate Board, was the winner. Turns out the date he picked was his Wedding Anniversary. He and wife Gloria were able to choose 10 friends to enjoy kathie's Chinese Dinner. No dishes to clean, no food to buy.. what an anniversary present!


Lauren Schneider and Kimberly Babb, Y Volunteers, served as waiters. Complete in Chinese attire, they were the crowd pleasers. Thanks to everyone who helped make this evening possible. It was a great fun-raising event that creatively addressed the Y's Mission of social responsibility.

The Y is dedicated to providing scholarship for kids and families who need assistance. Kathie's fun-raiser will provide much needed support for families who need help with childcare, youth sports, or youth membership. If you would like to help with the Y with this cause, contact Stephanie Browne at SBrowne@ymcacnm.org

Spotlight on Y Staff: Come Meet Rey At The Horn YMCA

Once you meet Rey Horcasitas you will never forget him. At the HB and Lucille Horn YMCA on San Mateo and Indian School, the friendly environment is contributed to staff like Rey. He welcomes members with a smile, a handshake or a pat on the back. His mission is clear. He wants everyone to know they can work on their fitness goals at the Y. "I had a heart attack and after I was released and ok'd to go work out, I picked the Y because I felt I could be successful here, it felt good at the Y." After a couple of months the Fitness Director offered me a job. She believed I had the energy and enthusiasm it takes to work at the Y." It is clear that Rey is grateful for every day he has on this earth. His kind smile creates a welcoming environment in the gym and everyone stops to say hello or to share a story.

The Fitness Director knew a rising star when she saw one. Meeting Rey is an experience I will never forget. Several years ago he was in a terrible car accident. His throat was split and had to be mended. He had broken so many bones he couldn't walk. Four doctors told him that he would never walk or talk again. Rey is now in his 70's and is in great shape and he surely can talk. He is a walking miracle and a true inspiration to us all.

Join Rey at the Horn Y mornings to noon. He'd love to meet you. Let him know you read about him on the Y blog. He's a bit of a celebrity, and we want him to know how proud we are to have Y staff like Rey.

Spotlight on Young Volunteers: Lauren Schneider

Lauren Schneider is a true "Y Kid." She remembers her days at the Y Inez Preschool, afterschool programs, youth sports, and her beloved days as a teen Counselor in Training and Junior Counselor in the summer day camps at the McLeod Mountainside YMCA. Lauren's incredible leadership skills were obvious at an early age and the Y felt blessed to have her energy and creativity. She became a Counselor in training Director and mentored the young teens as she developed engaging teen events and activities and built a curriculum that focused on building a strong work ethic. As an adult she has never forgotten her love for the Y. Lauren has spoken on behalf of the Y in several radio shows promoting our Step up for Kids Schloarship Fund, has raised monies for the giving campaign, given tours of the facility, and has organized a CIT Reunion Dinner. As a GAP employee, she arranged a corporate relatioship with the Y and the GAP. She and then Co-worker Jason Lofrese were both Y kids and found themselves working for a philanthropic company that would benefit the Y. They spent time brainstorming and decided the GAP and the Y needed to work together to raise funds by putting on a volleyball tournament. With their efforts, GAP employees came out to volunteer their time and participated in the GAP matching program, doubling the money raised at tournament. Lauren is an example of a young person who has grown up in the Y culture that celebrates social responsibility. "I take my love for the Y very seriously, " says Schneider. "When you grow up giving back, it's just natural to think of others and what they may need. I'm in for life."

The Y can only continue our legacy of social responsibility with the help of our volunteers. If you are interested in giving back, please contact Stephanie Browne at SBrowne@ymcacnm.org.

Spotlight: Volunteer Coach Clovis Martin Loves Y Basketball

When Clovis Martin walked into Eubank Elementary to coach seven and eight year olds for the Y Jr. Thunderbirds Basketball team, it was no surprise that he played basketball as a student. He's a tall man who carries himself like a Coach and an athlete. With three boys and an active career at Wells Fargo, he's a busy man. Yet, he finds time to spend Wednesday nights teaching drills, endurance, and the love of basketball to young people. Why the Y? "The kids need it and I enjoy it." Clovis knows personally the confidence that comes with working as a team and learning skills that carry throughout life. Team B-2 recently named themselves "The Lobos," and will begin their game season this weekend. Coach Martin and his Lobos enjoyed the Jamboree at the Santa Ana Star Event Center and really showed some promise out on the court practicing new skills with the Y Sports Staff. "Everything they learn will contribute to their skills as better athletes, and in turn, better developed people."
The Y of Central New Mexico and Y Community Champions make it possible to bring great skill development, mentorship and character building to New Mexico Youth. We celebrate Coach Clovis Martin for his committment to Y Kids. GO LOBOS!
If you are interested in volunteering at the Y, contact SBrowne@Ymcacnm.org.

Healthy Living: An Inspirational Journey with JMK

Why the Y? Because the Y has instructors like Jennifer Moser King, a woman who embodies the Y spirit of healthy living. Jennifer's life tells the story of inspiration: making goals for a better life and going after them with enthusiasm and a gusto for life that truly encourages others to go along for the ride! Jennifer made a decision to change her life and has lost over a hundred pounds. In the process, she formed a group called The Spin Girls, women who spin together and decided to run their first 5K together. Sporting pink and black gear, cheering eachother on to the finish line, they had their families there to celebrate their ceremonial moment of glory. By the time the Duke City Marathon came around, Jen was ready to tackle an even greater challenge: her first half marathon. It was an amazing day of celebration and self love that truly tells the Y story of growth and empowerment. Join Jen at the McLeod Mountainside Y on Tramway and Comanche. She teaches a variety of classes from Bootcamp to spin to stretch and tone. Call 292-2298 for more information. She will make you laugh, sweat, and take you on a journey that will change your life. Inquire about the cool apparel you can add to your wardrobe by simply saying: "I wanna be a Spin Girl!" Tell her you read about her in the Y Inspiration Blog, it'll make her day!

The Y is more than a fitness center, more than a group exercise class... it's a place where we celebrate others through healthy living. Join us today and let us know about your Y journey.