The Auburn Valley YMCA recently honored the dedication of four longtime board members who’ve helped the organization impact the lives of 22,000 kids and families every year.
The event at Zola’s Café recognized Trish Borden, Steve Mehl, Mike Newman and Roger Thordarson and their work in making the construction of the Auburn Valley Y a reality 14 years ago, expanding academic and enrichment programming in two local schools – Washington Elementary and Cascade Middle School – and fundraising that makes programming accessible for so many through financial assistance.
A group of 30 friends and family members attended as Executive Director Jason Berry shared the legacy that these four were able to create.
“The Y’s mission and work depends so much on the skills, time, and generosity of our volunteers. Without them none of our work is possible,” Berry said.
Highlights of their contributions include:
• Borden was instrumental in leading the partnership between the Y and City of Auburn that helped make the current facility possible. The successful partnership yielded a multi-million dollar contribution from the City and kicked off a community-wide fundraising effort supporting construction of the existing location.
• Mehl was a lead fundraiser making it possible for even more kids and families to participate in Y programming. He also chaired the board during the last Capital Campaign.
• Newman, while board chair, reorganized the Y’s vision that helped secure a five-year grant for Community Learning Centers for a brand new program serving 120 kids who have enhanced their academic achievement.
• Thordarson was one of the longest tenured board members in the Auburn Valley Y’s history and was instrumental in deepening the Y’s impact and reach within the community.
“Knowing that my contributions of time, effort and resources has made a positive difference in the lives of families and kids matters,” Newman said. “Without our involvement in our communities – including the connections and friendships that we make – we can’t make as big of a difference. Together we can do so much more.”
