One of my biggest roles as a board member at the Peninsula Family Y is advocating and fundraising for the Y's amazing programs. This year I have the honor of being the Community Campaign Chairwoman. I spoke at the Campaign Kick-Off event this week, to share my own Y story and encourage others to share theirs. Gabbie and her father came to cheer me on and celebrate their place at the Y too.
To kick off my own personal fundraising, I want to share my remarks from the event.
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My name is Mai and I’m so excited to be the Campaign Chairwoman this year. Thank you all so much for taking time to be here, and more importantly, for supporting the Peninsula Family YMCA.
We’re going to hear some incredible stories from people within our Y community today. Before we do that I want to tell you a little more about myself and my Y story. I’m currently on the board of managers, but I actually started volunteering with the Y as a Reach and Rise mentor. Reach and Rise is a therapeutic, one-on-one mentorship program that pairs an adult in the community with a youth who could use a little more support in their lives. Mentors receive training on how to deal with potential challenges and difficult situations, and commit to spending a couple hours per week with their match.
I was matched with a precocious 13-year-old girl named Gabbie. Her father signed her up for the program because she had recently lost her grandmother, who had lived with them and been the primary female figure in her life. Gabbie was talkative and outgoing with me, but was struggling with self-esteem and staying on track academically. We talked about those issues a bit in our weekly outings, but mostly we just had fun. We went to the art museum, we explored Japantown, we volunteered at a community garden together. She also tried sushi, escargot, and Indian food for the first time with me. She loved it all, which was the best part. Every meal we shared left my heart, and stomach, so full.
It just takes ONE supportive adult to improve a child’s chances of success. Even though there have been times when I’ve felt helpless trying to make things better for Gabbie, I have trust that just by listening, taking time to be present, and offering opportunities to see new things, I have planted seeds that will last a lifetime. Gabbie is here with us tonight. She is now 17 and going to graduate high school in the spring. Even though I am not formally her mentor anymore, I can’t wait to see her get her diploma. I couldn’t be more proud of her and how much she has grown as a young person.
Gabbie is the reason I fundraise for the Y. She represents the potential that all youth have to grow, thrive, learn, and become incredible contributors to our society. A lot of times it just takes a little nudge from a mentor, a camp counselor, a swim teacher, or basketball coach—someone to say, “I see you. You can do this. I’m proud of you.”
The Y provides so many opportunities for young people, and adults, to be included in their community. As you go out to campaign, I encourage you to think about this idea of inclusion, and of community. Think about the communities that matter most to the person you’re talking to, and talk about what the Y offers them. Share your own story, of why you belong to the Y. The more we can facilitate this dialogue, the better off our community will be, and the more successful this campaign will be.
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My goal is to raise $2,500 in the next six weeks, including our family's personal donation. Learn more about the diverse programs and services of the Peninsula Family YMCA and consider making a contribution today.
Thank you!
To kick off my own personal fundraising, I want to share my remarks from the event.
---
My name is Mai and I’m so excited to be the Campaign Chairwoman this year. Thank you all so much for taking time to be here, and more importantly, for supporting the Peninsula Family YMCA.
We’re going to hear some incredible stories from people within our Y community today. Before we do that I want to tell you a little more about myself and my Y story. I’m currently on the board of managers, but I actually started volunteering with the Y as a Reach and Rise mentor. Reach and Rise is a therapeutic, one-on-one mentorship program that pairs an adult in the community with a youth who could use a little more support in their lives. Mentors receive training on how to deal with potential challenges and difficult situations, and commit to spending a couple hours per week with their match.I was matched with a precocious 13-year-old girl named Gabbie. Her father signed her up for the program because she had recently lost her grandmother, who had lived with them and been the primary female figure in her life. Gabbie was talkative and outgoing with me, but was struggling with self-esteem and staying on track academically. We talked about those issues a bit in our weekly outings, but mostly we just had fun. We went to the art museum, we explored Japantown, we volunteered at a community garden together. She also tried sushi, escargot, and Indian food for the first time with me. She loved it all, which was the best part. Every meal we shared left my heart, and stomach, so full.
It just takes ONE supportive adult to improve a child’s chances of success. Even though there have been times when I’ve felt helpless trying to make things better for Gabbie, I have trust that just by listening, taking time to be present, and offering opportunities to see new things, I have planted seeds that will last a lifetime. Gabbie is here with us tonight. She is now 17 and going to graduate high school in the spring. Even though I am not formally her mentor anymore, I can’t wait to see her get her diploma. I couldn’t be more proud of her and how much she has grown as a young person.
Gabbie is the reason I fundraise for the Y. She represents the potential that all youth have to grow, thrive, learn, and become incredible contributors to our society. A lot of times it just takes a little nudge from a mentor, a camp counselor, a swim teacher, or basketball coach—someone to say, “I see you. You can do this. I’m proud of you.”
The Y provides so many opportunities for young people, and adults, to be included in their community. As you go out to campaign, I encourage you to think about this idea of inclusion, and of community. Think about the communities that matter most to the person you’re talking to, and talk about what the Y offers them. Share your own story, of why you belong to the Y. The more we can facilitate this dialogue, the better off our community will be, and the more successful this campaign will be.
---
My goal is to raise $2,500 in the next six weeks, including our family's personal donation. Learn more about the diverse programs and services of the Peninsula Family YMCA and consider making a contribution today.
Thank you!
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