It was founded at a public meeting held at the Pioneer Bakery at 409 S. Myrtle Avenue in 1887. Thousands of members later, the Santa Anita Family YMCA is celebrating 125 years of service to Monrovia, Duarte, Bradbury and Arcadia at an anniversary event at 3 p.m. on June 16 at the YMCA, 501 S. Mountain Avenue in Monrovia.
“This is a historic milestone, and one that symbolizes the passionate dedication of generations of volunteers who worked to help our community thrive,” said Santa Anita Family YMCA Board President Steve Baker. “We are inviting the public to celebrate this special time with us as we honor those who have contributed to our success as we hope for another 125 years of meaningful impact.”
The Santa Anita Family YMCA, a non-profit, charitable organization, has nearly 5,000 participants and members, more than 300 volunteers and nearly 60 employees. Over the years, the Y has stayed true to its purpose of strengthening the foundations of community by offering a wide range of programs for all ages that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Among the youth programs are the popular basketball, volleyball and dodgeball classes and leagues, where more than 4,500 children participate each year, and swim classes, where more than 1,400 kids learn to swim each year. Adults programs such as group fitness classes see 2,200 participants each year.
But the Y does not just emphasize healthy living – it also has promotes youth and teen development through such programs as Model United Nations and Youth in Government. Social responsibility is also a critical component to the Y’s goals. In fact, in the past 12 years alone, the Santa Anita Family YMCA has provided more than $2 million to ensure that all families have access to the support and solutions that will help them to thrive.
During the anniversary event, organizers will reveal a new installation which recognizes past and present philanthropists, whose efforts continue to make a positive impact on the Y and our community.
“Over the past 125 years countless community philanthropists have invested their time and money to ensure that every child’s potential is nurtured, that the health and well-being of our community is improved and that our neighbors are supported,” said Damon Colaluca, executive director of the Santa Anita Family YMCA. “We are merely stewards of this movement. Any success that we experience today is only possible because of the efforts of those that have come before us.”
People interested in attending the June 16 event or who would like to know more about the Y can contact Cheryl Reynolds at 626-359-9244, or by email at cherylreynolds@ymcala.org.
Source: YMCA press release
- Brad Haugaard
