The YMCA of La Porte County is heading into its 109th year in business, and to start it out right, the Y held its 108th annual business meeting luncheon in the downstairs of Portofino Grill, overlooking the courses of Briar Leaf Golf Club in La Porte. Attendees consisted of everyone from Y members to members of community organizations that provide the fuel needed to continue the Y’s mission.
Cindy Berchem, CEO and Executive Director of the YMCA of La Porte County, reflected on the importance of the luncheon and how it gives them time to reflect on a year of success.
“Sometimes we’re so busy in the moment of doing the task that we forget all of the great things that we’ve done throughout the year and all of the lives that we’ve been able to touch, lives that we’ve changed. So it’s really nice,” said Berchem, who has been with the Y for almost 17 years now. “I enjoy that recap.”
Watching a slideshow that was created to show attendees important highlights and countless accomplishments from 2017 reminded Berchem why she works with the Y in the first place.
Berchem stated, “It makes us realize how much of an impact it has in the community.”
Once guests filled their appetites and watched the slideshow, Berchem thanked and recognized outgoing Board members Mike Riehle and Valerie Martinsen Seifert for their outstanding service while on the Board. Afterwards, the YMCA’s 2017 Dot Ryan Adult Volunteer of the Year Award and Shirley Hermsen Community Service Award were distributed.
The Adult Volunteer of the Year Award went to Maria Schwieter, who was raised in Bolivia. Because she’s bilingual in English and Spanish, she has stepped up to the plate to help with anything that involved the Spanish speaking community. On top of it all, Schwieter never hesitates to offer a helping hand.
Before Berchem presented the Community Service Award, she talked about how family members of those who work with the Y often times get pulled in to helping the organization when its truly needed. With that being said, she presented the award to Nick Shirk, husband of LaPorte County YMCA Development Director, Michelle Shirk.
The La Porte County YMCA can’t thank their partners, staff, and members enough for all that they’ve done in the last 108 years.
“It takes our community to make our Y a strong, viable Y, and we have wonderful community support and that’s why we’re going on our 109th year, starting today,” ended Berchem.
To learn more about the LaPorte County YMCA and all of the wonderful programs that make a positive difference in the community, visit http://lpymca.org/.