I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with John to hear his "why the Y" and learn more about the Y's history.
Long before the Shasta Family YMCA's establishment in 1946, John was part of "The Y's Men's Club", a small group of dedicated individuals who held their meetings in a house. Their commitment knew no bounds; they tirelessly raised funds, symbolically each donating $1,946 to commemorate the year the main Y building came to life. Additionally, they sold 500 Christmas trees annually, with all proceeds directed toward the Y's cause.
The Y's Men's Club aimed to expand its membership to 500 by 1947, and pioneered programs such as Kiddy Land, fostering an environment for children's physical activity, and spearheaded the restoration efforts at Camp McCumber, which remains the cornerstone of our main Resident Camp to this day.
John has been a member of the Y since the 1980s and served on the Y's Board of Directors. His unwavering support continues through his generous donations driven by a profound belief in our mission. For John, contributing to the Y means nurturing a community space for children and families alike.
Thank you, John, for sharing your story with me! - Alex
HISTORY OF OUR Y