YMCA GYMNASTICS
YMCA's Oscar Lasko YMCA Annual Campaign
Fundraising for YMCA of Greater Brandywine
Story
Did you know:
Currently within our gymnastics program, 40% of those enrolled receive financial assistance. This assistance is available because of very important efforts like the YMCA Annual Campaign. Your contribution creates the opportunity for children to experience all the Y has to offer, including a gymnastics experience!
About the Annual Campaign
Our Annual Campaign is a Y initiative that provides financial assistance for programs and memberships to children and families in need. Financial assistance keeps the Y available for kids and families who need us most. We count on the generosity of our members and community to help all to be more healthy, confident, connected and secure. When you give to the Y, your gift will have a meaningful, enduring impact right in your own neighborhood.
When you donate to the YMCA of Greater Brandywine's Annual Campaign, you help us provide the people of Chester County with the programs and services they need to thrive.
- Youth Development: (A program with Free Membership) The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is providing no-cost YMCA memberships to over 1,600 Chester County kids through our 7th grade initiative. This engagement strengthens healthy behaviors for young teens at the beginning of their transition from childhood to adulthood. Youth are encouraged to try different activities at the Y and discover who they are and what they can achieve.
- Healthy Living: (The Y is for All) We help people and families build and maintain healthy habits for spirit, mind and body. By helping individuals from all walks of life improve their health and well-being, we build a stronger community. Thanks to the support of heroes like you, 1 of every 8 YMCA members who need us most receive financial assistance for their membership fees.
- Social Responsibility: (Keeping kids Safe) We take on the most urgent needs in our community, ensuring accessibility, inclusion and equity.
About the Gymnastics Program at Oscar Lasko YMCA (OLY):
🔅I would like to share with you the direct impact that the annual campaigns have had within our own gymnastics' community. Autumn Golden, our current Optional level team coach, membership Director for OLY and a coordinator for the gymnastics program, has been directly impacted by financial assistance since she was 6 years old. She would not be who she is today, if it was not for growing up through the Y. Here is a little information from her. 🔅
- Most memorable or important 2 moments as a gymnast......
Growing up I remember always being a part of the Y, whether it was jumping in the pools, hanging out in the snack room doing homework, or even sitting in the gym watching my teammates coach.
I was always at the Y; even on my off days from practice, I would go in with my sister. She was my biggest fan and supporter. I shared so many memories with her, including one of my biggest accomplishments as a gymnast. I had just finished competing first day level 8. It was a huge goal of mine to make second day but you had to qualify in order to compete again (the top 20 gymnasts for junior and senior age divisions qualify - let me tell you jr. is and will forever be the hardest age division!). We left to go grab some food because there was still another session before they hung the list on the wall. I remember so clear to this day sitting in the booth at pizza hut with my dad, sister and another teammate getting the call from my coach Donna. You made it! We all stood up on the booth jumping up and down screaming. It was a feeling I can’t put into words knowing I made it. I placed 13th out of all the jr. for level 8s.
My dad and mom drove me to every meet. If you're sports parents, you know how crazy weekends can be with kids in competitions on different days on the same weekend. I still remember states when I was a level 5. My dad was - let’s say, not a quiet one - during gymnastics meets. He was my biggest cheerleader in the stands. I believe everybody knew exactly who he was. My team and I were sitting around waiting for awards. The second I was named state all-around champion the place was no longer quiet. My dad stood up screaming “my baby's number one” leaning over the railing and yes, the look on my face said that I was "slightly" embarrassed. The announcer said “is that your dad?” I smiled and shook my head yes. To this day I remember having the best dad in the stands and this will forever be a story for me to share.
My most memorable moment as a gymnast is the last meet my mom attended. My mom was very sick with colon cancer but that did not stop her from coming to every meet she could, along with every activity, work, family event and just being there to support our family. She knew that this would probably be the last meet for her. She contacted coaches Donna and Glenda and said "I will be at this meet to see my babies one last time." She mentioned "I’m probably going to get a lot of stares but I’m not going to miss it for the world." As my mom reached the end of her battle, her skin became more yellow but she showed up with a huge smile on her face that I remember to this day! A few stared but she did not mind, as long as she was there that’s all that mattered to her. I remember my teammate, probably 6 at the time, saying “Mrs. Brenda why is your skin like that?” She said “hunny this is what happens when you're out in the sun too long.” My teammate sat right down on her lap and watched the meet with my mom. Teammates loved her for her strong-willed attitude and fight. That was her last meet in person but she was an angel watching over me for all the rest. I will forever remember that last meet for her in the stands cheering me, my sister, and all my teammates on!
2. Most memorable moments as a coach......
There are so many! I have shared and made unforgettable moments every day over the past 15 years as a coach, and these special, everlasting, remarkable moments we build together are why I coach. I coach to help talented kids reach their goals. I help them develop determination, learn from mistakes, discipline, leadership, challenges, and to fight/work hard not only in the gym but in everyday life as well. I coach to encourage them to take risks. If that leads to failure, bounce back and try a different way. No, we are not perfect or have perfect nights but I want to inspire them to never give up. I coach to remind them of just how amazing they truly are. As a coach, I see something in them that they have yet to see in themself. It’s my job to continue to help guide them to that point. I’m proud to not only be just a coach but to be a part of a wonderful team and family we have. I coach for memorable moments like these.
3. The impact that the program has had on my growth...
I feel every day I am still learning and growing with the program. I believe that it is not just the program that impacts my life but the people in the program who allowed me to achieve goals, find friendships, create an endless bond, and become who I am as a woman today. I wouldn’t be who I am without the mentorship of my former coaches, teammates, and family. The biggest growth I have come to face was the moment my boss, second mom, coach, and mentor Donna retired from a long 35 years. She was my rock, my go-to person, my leader, my reason for falling in love with this program! When she left, I had to face change and transformation on someone else coming into this home she created for many years. I was lost but had gained the confidence, courage, and love to this program through her and I knew that I will continue to make her proud along with the hope of expanding my growth and impact to others to come.
4. The growth that she sees in those she now coaches.....
If you find it in your heart, please consider a contribution to help us reach our goal. Let's continue to inspire the next generation!
