Four honored for extraordinary contributions to YMCA

Metro Wire Staff

Special recognition has been awarded to area philanthropists for their contributions to the Stevens Point Area YMCA.

Several who donated generously in 2017, to include 14 ‘Pacesetters’, were honored during YMCA’s Annual Recognition Luncheon, held earlier this year. According to a press release from the YMCA, 4,192 individuals received over $400,000 in financial assistance in 2017 for various YMCA memberships and programs.

The Pacesetters’ contributions totaled 58 percent of the YMCA’s goal last year. Special recognition was also given for outstanding contributions and service, to include Erik Carlson, who was awarded the Gerald M. O’Brien Leadership Award; a donor who wished to remain anonymous was given the Copps Family Philanthropic Award; Ben Martinsen, who won the Wisconsin State Alliance Leadership Award; and a Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Dr. Dwight Stevens.

An etched brick for the YMCA Heritage Club Memorial Garden was also dedicated in memory of Mary G. Miller, who with her late husband David, established the YMCA Annual Campaign Trust Fund in 2004.

CEO Dave Morgan was also honored for his 13 years of service to the Stevens Point Area YMCA. Morgan’s last day with the organization is Feb. 16, at which point he’ll move on to work as CEO of the YMCA in Kalamazoo, Mich.

It’s estimated that one out of every four residents in the community participate at the YMCA, the news release said.

For more information, contact the YMCA at (715) 342-2980 or go to www.spymca.org. To make a contribution to the annual campaign, click “Donate Now”.