Thursday, March 19, 2026
Dear Friends,
As we move through the early days of spring, I’m reminded how powerful our community can be when we come together with a shared purpose. Last month’s Annual Community Impact Celebration was a perfect reflection of that spirit. It was an honor to gather with so many of our volunteers, donors, community partners and staff to celebrate the lives being changed through the work of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.
During the evening, we were also proud to recognize two outstanding leaders. We honored Chloe Coney with the Community Impact Award for her decades of dedicated service and lasting contributions in the Tampa area. We also recognized Kyle Keith as this year’s Red Triangle Award recipient for his tremendous involvement with the YMCA and his continued support of our mission. I could not think of more deserving individuals for these awards, and it was a privilege to recognize them both.
Thank you to everyone who attended to help us celebrate the YMCA’s impact in our Tampa Bay community. Having so many friends in the room truly added to the excitement of the evening. If you were not able to attend, please feel free to watch this video that recaps the Ys impact over the last year.
The energy from that evening carries us directly into the Community Phase of our Annual Fundraising Campaign. This is the time when we invite our broader community to join us in investing in the mission of the YMCA. Each year, generous support from individuals, families and partners allows us to provide financial assistance, expand youth programs, support seniors and continue offering critical initiatives that serve people of all ages and backgrounds. Every contribution helps ensure the YMCA remains a place where everyone belongs and where no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. Learn more here. Our Annual Campaign raises $2.1 million towards our overall contribution goal of over $19 million this year.
Today also marks the final day of our spring Safety Around Water program, one of our most important initiatives. This year, the YMCA has already served hundreds of children across the Tampa Bay area through this program, equipping them with essential water safety knowledge and foundational swimming skills. In a community surrounded by water, these lessons are truly lifesaving. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for children, which is why this work is so critical. A big thank you to our donors and the YMCA staff, as this program provides life-changing opportunities for our community, free of charge.
To end, I would like to wish you and your family a Happy Easter. The first YMCA in our country opened its doors 175 years ago and Christian Values served as its foundation. As we look ahead to Easter on April 5, we are reminded of the importance of our Christian Values and how this holiest of days represents God’s unquestionable love for us. Let’s all remember to give ourselves some grace and to also show compassion to others. Easter provides an inspiration of hope and renewal, and we can all use that inspiration to be the best versions of ourselves possible.
Thank you for continuing to join us as we work together to strengthen our community and empower every individual in our community to live their healthiest and most fulfilled life.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO