Rotary Room Dedication at the Dale Turner Family YMCA

By Courtney Laguio
Dale Turner Family YMCA

The result of a successful community partnership was celebrated with a special ceremony on March 3, 2010, as Rotarians from the Shoreline Rotary Breakfast Club dedicated the “Rotary Room “at the Dale Turner Family YMCA.

"The members of the Shoreline Breakfast Rotary Club have consistently supported the positive leadership and academic development of the youth of our area. We share the Dale Turner Family YMCA’s vision of a community where the young can reach their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body. In dedicating the Shoreline Breakfast Rotary Club Room at this magnificent facility, we are proud to provide this lasting, tangible symbol of our support for the YMCA,” said Julie Underwood, Rotary President.

L-R Anita Smith, Will Hall, Bob Ferguson, Courtney Whitaker, Julie Underwood

The Dale Turner Family YMCA opened in October 2008, after completing an aggressive $5.2 million fundraising campaign, and serves more than 12,000 youth annually through its various programs. The YMCA also raises money each year to provide scholarship support to ensure that all youth are able to participate in YMCA programs regardless of ability to pay.

“The Shoreline Breakfast Rotary Club wanted to create a lasting legacy in the facility to showcase their support for youth and set about establishing a challenge opportunity which resulted in the naming of the room,” said Courtney Whitaker, Executive Director of the Dale Turner Family YMCA.

More than $100,000 was raised through the challenge gift, individual contributions from Rotarians, and a topping off match from Rotary International. The Rotary Room features a large screen monitor and other presentation equipment that community groups and non-profits can use free of charge. YMCA programs for youth and teens also use the space for leadership clubs and afterschool programs.

“The Rotary has always been supportive of the YMCA through volunteer activities, but this showing of support really set an example of what is possible when everyone works together to achieve a common goal. We are proud to provide permanent recognition of the Shoreline Breakfast Rotary Club’s support in our facility, said Whitaker.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united world-wide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.