Many people think that the YMCA is like any other gym where people bench press, run on treadmills, and do other kinds of exercises. The Hernando County YMCA, which is affiliated with the YMCA of the Suncoast, is much more than that.
The programs at the “Y” are too numerous to mention here, but the following demonstrates the breadth of its activities. For example, the YMCA took over the Before and After School Care service for children when the Boys’ and Girls’ Club was no longer able to do that. Then there is Teen Leadership Club and recreational sports, such as pickleball and volleyball, along with enriching activities such as Dance.
As would be expected, many of the YMCA’s programs focus on health. For example, the Pedaling for Parkinson’s program is designed to help those with the onset of Parkinson’s Disease improve their balance and maintain their independence. The Cancer Survivorship program, sponsored by Moffitt Cancer Center, provides support and a way to connect with others who are battling this terrible disease.
These services and many others were highlighted at a VIP dinner held at the Wellington Country Club on March 27. It was a fundraising and “fun” raising event with members and guests dressed in 1960s hippie attire, a photo booth and music with DJ Shalimar.
Liz Casner, a local realtor, is not only a member of the YMCA advisory board but also a financial supporter of the organization. Other supporters include HCA Healthcare with a $10,000 donation, along with Withlacoochee River Electric and Mid-Florida Credit Union, who were sponsors of the VIP dinner.
[Photo by Sarah Nachin]
Ms. Casner, who was the emcee of the event, said, “The YMCA serves as a place where individuals of all ages, as well as families, can find connection, healing, and opportunity. With the help of scholarship dollars, we’ve been able to provide programs at little to no cost for those who need them the most.”
The “Y” raises money through events, such as this, and generous donations from individual and corporate donors so that everyone who wants to participate in their programs can do so, regardless of age or income. For example, the Foster Family program ensures that foster children and their families receive free membership. Those over 65 can join the YMCA at no cost through Medicare’s “Silver Sneakers” benefit.
Ruth Smith, a member and long-time volunteer, spoke about her journey with the YMCA. In New York, she was on the swim team at the “Y” when she was in high school and college. She then started coaching at the “Y.”
When she moved to Clearwater, Florida, Ms. Smith got a job with the YMCA. After relocating to Hernando County, she was the aquatic director. Upon moving to central Florida, Ms. Smith opened up storefront YMCAs in Poinciana and Winter Haven. When she moved back to Hernando County and retired, Ruth continued to work with the “Y” as a volunteer, doing basically the same thing she did as an employee, coaching competitive swimming.
Stephen Hutchinson, regional executive director of the YMCA of the Suncoast for school-age programs, spoke about the Backpack program. In conjunction with People Helping People, they distribute free non-perishable food for children to eat on the weekends when they might not get three meals a day.
Next, “Miss Danielle” spoke about a plaque, donated by Merritt Funeral Home, and a bench that will be placed in front of the “Y” to honor Maxton Phillips, a four-year-old boy, who frequented the YMCA and “brought so much light to everyone around him.” Tragically, he drowned in his family’s swimming pool.
Lt. Scott Lamia of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) spoke about the importance of the YMCA’s free Safety Around Water (Float Program), which teaches young children how to survive by floating on their back if they accidentally fall into a pool. There’s no telling how many lives have been saved by this program. Arlene LaSanta gave a brief testimony about how the Float Program had helped her daughter, Iris, overcome her fear of the water.
[Photo by Sarah Nachin]
Lt. Lamia recommended www.floridahealth.gov for information on drowning prevention. Also, at www.watersmartfl.com, you can apply for vouchers for your children to participate in a water safety program like the YMCA’s. He also mentioned that the HCSO had donated $1,500 to the “Y.”
So, next time you hear the catchy song “YMCA,” hopefully you’ll think of the Mind, Spirit and Soul that the YMCA so strongly nurtures.
For more information on the Hernando County YMCA, go to https://www.ymcasuncoast.org/locations/hernando-county-branch
