The Portofino Grill was full of the smell of warm food and cheerful atmosphere on Wednesday, February 26, 2014. It was time for the 103rd annual La Porte County Family YMCA meeting and luncheon. The Y’s board members and valued guests gathered together to discuss new business and celebrate the impact that the YMCA had during the last year.
The afternoon kicked off with a delicious lunch served by the fine staff at the Portofino Grill. From the looks on everyone’s face, it was definitely a well-enjoyed meal. Following this delight for the taste buds, Cindy Berchem, the Executive Director for the La Porte County YMCA, introduced a very touching slideshow, hailing the organization’s achievements from 2013.
“I think the most important thing about the Y is it’s about people,” said Berchem. “What matters to us are the people in this room and the people in the community.”
Next was a truly heartwarming story that the Y had a direct hand in. Dave Kasarda, the Director of Operations for the La Porte County YMCA, shared a video that showed how the Y changed the life of a woman named Judy. In the video, Judy, along with the Aquatics Coordinator from the Y, said how much she loved swimming. Unfortunately, Judy suffered a stroke rendering the left side of her body weakened, but that couldn’t stop her from doing what she loved. Judy got back in the water roughly three weeks after her health problems developed. Not only that, but her passion for swimming has helped strengthen the parts of her body that were undermined by the stroke. She’s still getting in the water today.
“At the YMCA we get to change lives. Our programs are just a vehicle for doing so,” said Kasarda.
Following Judy’s story, everyone took a moment to honor the outgoing board members. Cindy Berchem took some time to revere Chris Buresh and Jay Pouzar. Both of these board members had volunteered time and effort to help benefit the YMCA.
Afterwards, it was time for the people who exuded excellence for the Y last year to get some much-deserved recognition. The first award presented was the 2013 Youth Volunteer Award. This was given to the three Bruns siblings, Nolin, Marin, and Morgan, who helped out with last year’s Halloween festivities at the Y.
Next, Don “Pizza” Berchem was honored with the 2013 “Dot Ryan” Adult Volunteer Award. Berchem has been tirelessly working to help the YMCA complete a very important construction project.
Finally, the 2013 “Shirley Hersmen” Community Service Award was presented to Central State Manufacturing.
There was one last piece of business before the meeting adjourned. The board members voted for the approval of the 2014 slate of officers. These officers were Tim Larson, President; Valerie Martinsen, Vice President; Mike Riehle, Treasurer; and Kelly Hague, Secretary. After a unanimous vote, the meeting came to an end.
At the 104th annual La Porte County YMCA meeting, the good people at the Y were able to show everyone what an amazing year 2013 was for them. They provided excellent services and classes for La Porte, changed lives, and, ultimately, worked toward making life that much better for the people of La Porte.