Northfield YMCA Annual Campaign

The YMCA has played a critical role in my growth and development in different stages of life and I am thrilled that Owen, Katie and I are able to benefit from involvement with our local Northfield YMCA.

I have many great childhood memories of growing up with and in the YMCA in Waterloo, IA. It was there that I enjoyed many years of recreation with my siblings, friends and parents; participated in organized sports (tee-ball, soccer, basketball and flag football); learned to swim and play pick-up basketball; and generally benefited from opportunities to interact with people from different ages and walks of life. Through these experiences I devloped a strong interest in sports and recreation, but most importantly I learned many life lessons related to respect, sportsmanship and caring for others.

The summer after my Sophomore year of college, I had the opportunity to work as a camp counselor at a YMCA camp in Boone, IA. Day after day was filled with games, nature hikes, camp songs, ultimate frisbee, pranks, swimming, campfire stories and occasionally, quiet reflection. Personally, I developed teamwork and leadership skills and learned how rewarding it can be to do work that makes a difference in the lives of others.

Here in Northfield, I have had the privilege to serve on the board of directors for the Northfield YMCA for the past three years. I am continually inspired and humbled by the incredible dedication of our staff and volunteers. It is very important for me that we attempt to serve the entire community and that we offer high-quality programming for youth and families, regardless of the their ability to pay. I am thrilled that we will soon have a new facility that will serve as a community gathering and recreation place for everyone in Northfield.

The YMCA has been a very big part of my life. Please consider making a donation to help us make it a big part of the lives of youth and families in Northfield, regardless of their ability to pay.