The Family YMCA 2018 Board of Directors includes front row from left, Past President Christina Sierk, John Whiteside, President Lou Santoro and Treasurer Chris Ortega. Back row from left, Elizabeth Bezzerides, Cheryl Sowder, Laura Crucet and Allison Majure. Not shown, Debbie Huling, Shay Kendricks, Matt Schmidt, Eric Vasquez and Janelle Vigil-Maestas. Courtesy/YMCA

The Family YMCA at 1450 Iris St. in downtown Los Alamos. Courtesy/YMCA

The Family YMCA mission is to build individual, family and community strength by focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. That mission dovetails with the Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) mission, which is Making Communities Healthier.

LAMC supports the local Y in many ways and its CEO John Whiteside serves on the Y Board of Directors.

“The Y Board is comprised of dedicated community leaders who use their talents to help define and forward the Y’s mission and I’m honored and proud to serve alongside them,” Whiteside said.  “I grew up in a community in which the local Y was a big part of my life and remains near and dear to my heart these many years later. Our board believes that the Y plays a vital role in shaping children, supporting families, and providing people of all ages and abilities with healthy programs.”

Board members take a leadership role in the Y’s annual fundraising campaign, through personal contribution and active campaign participation.

This year’s board includes Whiteside, President Lou Santoro, Past President Christina Sierk, Treasurer Chris Ortega, Elizabeth Bezzerides, Cheryl Sowder, Laura Crucet, Allison Majure, Debbie Huling, Shay Kendricks, Matt Schmidt, Eric Vasquez and Janelle Vigil-Maestas.

Santoro spoke about the impact support from LAMC has on the 501c3 charity.

“Los Alamos Medical Center has supported the Y’s financial assistance program for 20 years as a Chairman’s Roundtable sponsor. This means they are supporting health for individuals who could not afford to pay to be in the Y’s programs,” Santoro said. “We value LAMC’s partnership in our community through the financial support they give to our community  members. And we value the talent of John Whiteside who has served on our board for the last three years.”

Santoro calls Whiteside “a true volunteer.”

“John has celebrated the Y at the Red and Black Ball, participated in the Y’s health walk and he has set up cones for Y’s July 4th 5K race. Besides that, John lends thoughtful leadership on the board, We truly value John and LAMC’s support of the Y. Both the hospital and John represent a true commitment to the community.”

In its effort to build individual, family and community strength, the Y focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

“Our purpose is to provide opportunities for all ages to learn new skills, try hard and succeed and connect with community,” Y CEO Linda Daly said. “We believe these experiences build character and help us all grow in spirit, mind and body.”

As a 501c3 charity, the Y ensure access for everyone through financial assistance scholarships. The Y’s next annual Red and Black Ball is Saturday, March 16. The popular gala raises funds to support financial aid and youth programs. The public can call the Y in January to reserve a table.

Upcoming fun and fundraisers at the Los Alamos Teen Center:

• Thursday, Oct. 11, 5-9 p.m. GRILLED CHEESE & GAMES NIGHT (come have gourmet grilled cheese and check out the Virtual Reality set up, a board game, video games, table games…)
• Saturday, Nov. 17, noon to 6 p.m. BOARD GAMES, BOWLS & BREAD (come have hearty soup/stew and play some games!)
• Saturday, Dec. 8, 4-6 p.m. (during Winterfest) HOT CHOCOLATE & CIDER fundraiser @ LATC, plus purchase student made glass art, dog leashes and other crafts for holiday gifts.

Chairman’s Round Table Members and Primary Sponsors in 2018:

• Centerra
• Cross Connection Inc.
• Los Alamos Daily Post
• Los Alamos Medical Center
• Los Alamos National Bank
• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Los Alamos National Security
• Lou Santoro State Farm
• TRK Management

For more information, visit laymca.org.