HANK JOHNSON IS YMCA’S FIRST HALL OF FAME SELECTION
HANK JOHNSON IS YMCA’S FIRST HALL OF FAME SELECTION
Posted by Gregg Smith
TRAVERSE CITY – Retired local dentist and a Grand Traverse Bay YMCA activist since the early 1970’s, Hank Johnson became the first person to be named to the Y’s newly formed Hall of Fame.The surprise announcement occurred at the organization’s recent annual campaign kick luncheon at Great Wolf Lodge, and attended by community leaders, volunteers and long time Y supporters.
“Hank never gave up on having a Y presence in the region,” noted Jay Buckmaster, executive director and luncheon emcee. “Over the years he supported the Y in every way, from being a board member and volunteer, to making significant financial contributions. Our new facility on Silver Lake Road is a testament to his perseverance and leadership.”
YMCA board chair Kerry Kalbfleisch presented a plaque honoring Dr. Johnson, who was accompanied to the event by his wife, Sue; family and friends; and a conference hall of admirers who gave him a standing ovation.
(Hank is a long time, past Rotary Club member)
ANNUAL YMCA LUNCHEON
Funds from the annual campaign kick off luncheon allows the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA to provide financial assistance to those less able to participate in its facilities and programs. It’s part of the YMCA mission to allow all families to be able to involved in an array of great programs regardless of financial ability.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA provides:
· 5 week water safety program to 1600 third graders per year during the school day through our SPLASH program at no cost? ($80,000 per year)
· Financial assistance to over 525 kids and families for membership and program activities per month to participate in programs that help better their health, develop skills and build self-confidence? ($50,000 per year)
· Financial assistance to families for their kids to participate in summer day camp? (over 100 kids per summer at $25,000 per year)
· Quality child care at no cost to members that participate at the Silver Lake facility? (approx. $25,000 per year)