To celebrate Giving Tuesday this year, the Y is highlighting members from around our association who have chosen to make an impact in their community by donating to the Y. Members like Jonathan Myers of the Galowich Family YMCA. In this Q&A, he shares his YMCA experience and the value of supporting the Y through charitable giving.

Q: Why do you feel so connected to the YMCA community? 

Jonathan: 16 years ago I lived in Georgia and I was a stay-at-home father. After about six months of being home with an infant, my wife said I should start going to the Y. It would give me something to do and get out of the house. I went down the street to the Y and I walked in. They said they also had child care available while members worked out. I asked how much extra it would cost and they said ‘it’s included’. It was a godsend.

Q: Do you still feel that same sense of community today?

Jonathan: Yes. You can work out anywhere. But if you’re going to work out somewhere why not do it at a place where the mission branches out to other things. That’s what the Y is to me, an extension of the community as opposed to just another gym or fitness place.

Q: Why are you passionate about supporting the Y through charitable giving? 

Jonathan: If I can do whatever I can to give back, I do it. I know there are people out there who are hurting and have been greatly affected by the pandemic. In some little way if I can continue to come to the Y, and give extra for other people who can’t, that’s what the Y is all about.

Q: How would you describe the impact of charitable giving to the Y?

Jonathan: I actually said this to someone the other day. The world still has miracles but god can’t do it by himself. He uses human beings to make those miracles happen. We’re god’s hands and feet. We are the miracles. And in one sense, giving to the Y can help a miracle happen for someone in the community. Because when we give, the Y has the resources to make their miracles come true.

—

The Y would like to thank John for his generosity and commitment to the Y. To pledge your support through a charitable gift to the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, click here.