This Fall, the YMCA of Greater Long Beach's Heritage Club, President’s Roundtable and Distinguished Triangle Donors came together for their annual appreciation dinner. It marked a joyful celebration dedicated to our most committed and inspiring annual, capital, and legacy donors. This year's event took place in the welcoming ballroom of the Long Beach Marriott. 

Before the dinner, a social gathering set the stage for the opportunity to connect and engage with YMCA family members. The evening's agenda featured uplifting testimonials, a compelling program presentation, and an encouraging State of the YMCA Association overview—all made possible by the generosity of our YMCA donors. 

If you're not currently a member of our esteemed Heritage Club, President's Roundtable, or Distinguished Triangle and would like to become one, we encourage you to get in touch with your local YMCA branch. Your involvement will contribute to the ongoing success and positive impact of the YMCA in our communities. 

The YMCA's integration into LBUSD extends beyond Outdoor Education, Playground Partners, and Drowning Prevention. Currently, we provide support staff leaders to 31 schools, covering 66 classes, with a focus on assisting Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten teachers. This structured program, operating through each branch's service area, aims to enhance cultural competency, connect with local YMCA programs, and integrate recreational and innovative YMCA staff into the classroom to boost academic achievement.

This victory is an incredible accomplishment, particularly considering the challenges faced after losing practice facilities to fire for 6 months. Gymnastics team members Kailey Clark (first in the all-around), Clara Waters (third), Francesca Acosta (fourth), A’layah White (fifth), and Cienna Rydman (eighth), each earned All-American honors. This marks the first time a Long Beach YMCA branch team has secured a national title since the program's inception. 

IN MEMORIAM
2023

Our YMCA lost several dedicated supporters this year who made a significant impact on the work we do. We honor and remember:

Arthur Fitzpatrick

Dwayne Larson

Victor McCarty, Jr.

Robert Oatey

Ted Pearson

Joyce Striewig

The Light Remains

There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they are gone the light remains.

There's Still Time!
Roll Over Your IRA
for Good!

Rolling over part of your IRA’s “required minimum distribution” or “RMD” to the Y can help reduce your 2024 tax bill while supporting our cause.

LBUSD 5th graders are back for a week-long mountain camp experience with the High Hill program at YMCA Camp Oakes, featuring activities like hiking, canoeing, ziplining, rock climbing, and nature exploration. With a focus on boosting self-confidence, teamwork, and a personal connection to the outdoors, 280 students per school week are immersed in an enriching adventure that enhances social skills and physical activity. 

Andrea Sulsona,
Vice President of Mission Advancement

Andrea is known for fostering connections with community partners, stakeholders, and investors. She is excited to drive support for the YMCA’s important causes and leverage her exceptional leadership from the previous role as Executive Director of the YMCA’s Early Childhood Education program. 

Chris Donnell,
Director of Information Technology

With 32 years of experience in Information Technology and degrees in Computer Networking and an MBA from Regis University, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge to our YMCA. Previously holding strategic leadership roles in IT at APM Terminals in the Port of Los Angeles and Clayton Early Learning, Chris is enthusiastic about joining our Y for its commitment to values and impactful community outreach.