(Port Royal, March 2, 2020): On Thursday, February 20, 2020 the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry welcomed members and guests to their Annual Meeting, which recognized volunteers, donors and staff who helped advance the Y’s cause to strengthen the foundation of our community.
The meeting was presided over by in-coming YMCA Board Chair, Bennett Schiller, and Y CEO, Michael Bostwick. Bennett J. Schiller, III is a partner in the Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm. Mr. Schiller is a graduate of The Citadel and earned his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He has served on the YMCA Board in various capacities including Treasurer and Vice-Chairman for 5 years.
During the annual meeting the Y welcomed three new board members: City of Beaufort Human Resources Assistant Shantell Miller; retired businessman Larry Schaefer; and Port Royal Town Councilman and lawyer, Kevin Phillips.
The Y celebrated the many programs, services and opportunities they provide and, most importantly, gave thanks to the volunteers that truly bring magic to the Y.
During the program, four volunteer/organizations received special recognition for their service to the Y and Y staff member, Karen Prince, was presented with the employee of the year award. Prince has been with the Y for seventeen years working in the YMCA childcare department.
Jennifer Tuckwiller received the 2019 Robert V. Wardle Service to Youth Award. This award is given in honor of Robert V. Wardle, whose donations were instrumental in the founding and continued operation of the Wardle Family YMCA. Long time Y member Jennifer Tuckwiller is the past YMCA Board chair and a member of the Beaufort Beach Ball Fundraiser & Auction Committee as well as a volunteer and sponsor of the annual Beaufort River Swim and BYAC Swim Team.
Carolina Sportscare and Physical Therapy was named Community Partner of the Year awarded to the Y partner who exemplifies a strong commitment in strengthening our community; Community Bible Church was named Volunteer of the Year in recognition of demonstrating exceptional dedication to YMCA values by giving of time and talent; and Carmen Meyer was recognized as Active Older Adult of the Year for demonstrating a love of life by being active and being a model for healthy living that has no age limit.
The Y also celebrated the positive impact made through Y programs and services; welcoming 2184 new members in 2019, that overall expands the Y reach to 12,000+ children, families and adults through YMCA sports, summer camps, childcare, BYAC swim team, wellness programs, and swimming lessons. The Y’s Annual Scholarship Campaign provided financial assistance totaling $345,147 for YMCA programs and services. Those in attendance were also treated to two powerful and personal Y stories; one by long-time Y supporter Brenda Black and one from Y Preschool parent Doshie Sample.
Overall, members visited the Y 121,228 times throughout 2019. The Y is thankful for the efforts of the many volunteers that contributed hundreds of hours of their time to assist the Y with everything from coaching youth sports, to planning and running special events, to reading with our afterschool program students.
Incoming Y Board Chair, Bennet Schiller closed the meeting by recalling his own Y story, a wonderful kick-off to the 2020 Annual Scholarship Campaign.
