THE FAMILY YMCA NEWS
Last year during the pandemic, The Family YMCA was not able to host its annual golf tournament. However the Y did continue serving the community with adapted programming: hosting free online health and fitness classes, supporting teens through two teen centers, and reaching out to our seniors in isolation. This year, the Y is bringing back their golf tournament in partnership with Los Alamos Golf Association (LAGA).
The Y’s Golf Classic will be held on Friday, August 27, with a shotgun start at 9 am at the Los Alamos Golf Course. It is subtitled the Emily McGay Memorial, in honor of a former, 9-year Y CEO, who passed away in February. Registration is through the Los Alamos Golf Association website.
“An outdoor event seems like a good first fundraising step,” said Y CEO Chris Daniels. “We are excited to partner with LAGA, and we’re hoping businesses and individuals are able to participate.”
Daniels said the Y is selling advertising signs to display at Tee boxes for $150.
The tournament has traditionally had a hole-in-one chance for a new car and various games of chance along the course. Much of that will continue this year.
Daniels said the Y is also looking to host a small auction at the event and is grateful to community members who are able to donate art or products.
“We are sensitive about the toll this last year has had on our local businesses and community members. We do have volunteers reaching out, but I wanted to say that we certainly understand if people are limited in their ability to help.”
Daniels said the tournament will raise funds for a projected 300 individuals on financial assistance scholarships (200 youth in afterschool and camp programs, and 100 adults with memberships), and support 800 youth served at our Española YMCA Teen Center.
He said major sponsors have significant recognition and players fees included. He said he is happy to talk to anyone who would like to be a sponsor and he may be reached at cdaniels@laymca.org or by calling 662-3100.
ABOUT THE Y:
The Family YMCA is a charitable, nonprofit organization that was started in 1955 by volunteers who recognized the need for a place for families to recreate together. In 2007, City of Española administrators awarded the Y a contract and partial funding to provide a teen center as a resource for community youth. In 2011, Los Alamos County awarded the Y a contract to operate a center locally. In 2020, the Y awarded $40,000 in scholarships to 73 individuals (23 of which were youth in child care programs) so all could have access. The Y traditionally awards $120,000 in scholarships to 300 individuals (200 of which are children), and anticipates providing this aid again once the pandemic is over.