Making a Positive Difference!

This morning, the Richmond YMCA hosted a breakfast for some of its current and prospective supporters.  The purpose of the breakfast was to encourage additional support of its youth programs.  The Y works to  allow all families interested in participating in any youth program, such as sports teams, summer care, or after-school care, the ability to participate regardless of ability to pay. 

The keynote speakers for this important program were our very own Desmond Bane and Billie Webster III.  They were interviewed on stage by Troy Derengowski, in front of the Leland Legacy’s ballroom which was full of community leaders.  In attendance with them were their grandmothers, Fabio Bane and Mary Margaret Johnson, along with Mary Webster (Billie’s sister) and Coach Jurgens.  In the interview each of them articulated how the YMCA and its youth programs helped them develop not only as athletes but, more importantly, as young men.  They both also spoke of the important influence that Seton, coaches, and teammates had on them over the years. 

The highlight of the talk, however, was when both thanked their grandmothers for their love, guidance, and support.  Their comments earned these amazing women a standing ovation.  Their comments brought some tears, in addition, to earning the YMCA some financial support from attendees as they left the breakfast. 

In 2015, the Richmond YMCA was able to offer the following youth programs serving more than 600 individual students:

• flag football
• fall & spring outdoor soccer
• cheerleading
• volleyball
• t-ball
• indoor soccer
• preschool basketball
• after school care
• summer camp