(TAMPA, FLA – November 21, 2024) The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA honored outstanding volunteers at the Annual Community Impact Celebration, presented by Regions and BayCare - held on November 20, 2024, at the Tampa Theatre. An estimated 400 guests enjoyed an evening emceed by the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn showcasing the Tampa YMCA’s robust impact on the community as videos, testimonials, and stories were shared.
Clara Reynolds, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay President & CEO was presented with the 2024 Community Impact Award. A distinguished executive leader with over 19 years of experience in managing Tampa Bay nonprofits. Since July 2015, Clara has overseen a large team and plays a pivotal role in serving more than 160,000 persons annually. Under her guidance, the Crisis Center has achieved exceptional growth, expanding its services, community impact and driving a remarkable 130% revenue increase.
“The work I do day in and day out is incredibly stressful. I look to the YMCA as my place for self-care, solace and community. I have been a proud Bob Sierra Family YMCA member for 22 years! I have made amazing friends there. Thank you Tampa YMCA for always supporting our community in huge ways and thank you for this honor!” Reynolds noted.
Renowned community leader, Bob Gilbertson was presented with the 2024 Red Triangle Award. The Award is given to a volunteer whose leadership and service reflect the countless lives transformed through their generous contributions. With his 45-year YMCA career, Gilbertson is Tampa Y’s longest-serving president from 1981-2007. Under his leadership, the Tampa Y grew from serving 5,000 to over 130,000 members/program participants annually and from five to 14 centers. The namesake of our Central City YMCA, he is a champion of advancing the Y mission, underserved communities and youth. Bob always focused on “where the Y was needed the most.”
“I am thankful to the Tampa YMCA for this honor. What always resonates with me is that the time and treasure we give to others is the rent we pay for the space we occupy in this world. All of you helped us grow and sustain – the staff, supporters and volunteers. I hope everyone keeps supporting the Tampa YMCA,” Gilbertson said.
Matt Mitchell, President & CEO, Tampa YMCA congratulated all the honorees. He emphasized the “magnitude of the role the Tampa YMCA plays in our communities. We impacted over 280,000 people last year.”
“Thank you for your support in helping our YMCA to empower so many kids, families and seniors to live their healthiest and most fulfilling life. This is what our Community Impact Award is all about – identifying and recognizing a local stakeholder, who has a profound impact on our community, just like the YMCA.”
The following 11 YMCA Center Volunteers of the Year were recognized for their unwavering commitment to helping children, families and seniors reach their full potential:
Bob Sierra North Tampa YMCA: George Ehrhard
Campo Family YMCA: Eileen Kaminski
East Pasco: Erica Shireman
First Tee - Tampa Bay: Brian Holliday
New Tampa Family YMCA: Cathy Perret
Northwest Hillsborough Family YMCA: Michael Cosentino
Plant City Family YMCA: Marsha Passmore and Michael Jemison
Sulphur Springs YMCA: Brock Guice
South Tampa Family YMCA: Alex Germain
YMCA Camp Cristina: Will Alfonso
Congratulations all and thank you for choosing to give back to the YMCA.
For media queries, please contact:
Kiran Malik-Khan
Senior Communications Director
Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
Kiran.malik-khan@tampaymca.org