Dear YMCA Family,
Happy New Year from the Anaheim Family YMCA! As we step into 2025, we are energized and ready for another year of growth, community connection, and transformative experiences. The coming months are packed with exciting programs and events, all aimed at strengthening the ties that unite us and serve our community.
We are thrilled to kick off the year with a major new partnership with the Los Angeles Clippers! Starting this May, we will be launching the Jr. Clippers Youth Basketball Leagues, a dynamic collaboration that will bring the excitement of the Clippers to the next generation of basketball players in our community. This partnership will elevate our youth sports programs, and we’re grateful to the Clippers for their support and belief in our mission!
As always, we are deeply proud of our staff and the lasting impact they make at the YMCA. This quarter, we celebrate some incredible milestones:
- Raheem Odomes – 10 years
- Ana Guillen – 5 years
- Elsie Aviles – 5 years
- Yuri Sandoval – 20 years
These anniversaries not only mark time, but they reflect the passion and dedication each of these staff members has brought to our mission. We’re so fortunate to have such a devoted team.
We also extend a warm welcome to Rick Armendariz and Pepe Avila, who have joined our YMCA Board of Directors. We are excited to work alongside them and benefit from their expertise and vision as we continue to build a stronger Y for all.
A highlight of the season is our recent LA84 Foundation grant, which will enable us to expand our programming and reach even more youth with opportunities for growth and development through sports. We’re incredibly grateful for this partnership, which aligns perfectly with our mission to foster healthier, more connected communities.
In another exciting update, we are honored to have been selected as the charity partner for the Run Disney events at Disneyland! A huge thank you to Disneyland for this opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the Y’s programs. We can’t wait to see our community participate in these fun and impactful events!
Mark your calendars for the 6th Annual YMCA Gala on March 8th at 6:00 PM at the Westin Anaheim. We’re excited to honor Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva for her continued support of our community. We hope you’ll join us for this special celebration of leadership and giving.
https://events.readysetauction.com/anaheimfamilyymca2/gala2025
If you haven’t already, be sure to catch my latest podcast episode with Lucy Santana, President of Girl’s Inc. of Orange County, on the YMCA Podcast, Game Changers. Her work empowering young girls is inspiring, and I encourage you to listen to the conversation!
As many of you know, Southern California has faced devastating wildfires this season. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected. In response, YMCA branches across the state have come together to provide shelter, resources, and emotional support to families in need. We are proud of our Y community’s resilience, and we continue to stand in solidarity with those impacted.
Thank you for being such an essential part of the Anaheim Family YMCA. Together, we are working to create a community where everyone can live, work, play, and thrive. Here’s to a year of even greater impact and connection in 2025!
Warm regards,
Brent Finlay
President & CEO
