Submitted article
Each year, the Galion Area Betterment Commission presents a local nonprofit agency with the Organization of the Year award. This designation goes to the agency that provides a unique, high-quality service to the citizens of Galion. This agency stands out among its peer organizations as providing a service that improves the quality of life of Galion residents.
On Tuesday, May 12, the Galion-Crestline Chamber of Commerce held its annual breakfast meeting and awards ceremony, during which the Betterment Commission award winners were announced. The 2014 Organization of the Year was the Galion Community Center YMCA. Past Board President Ken Davis accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
The Galion YMCA completed a dramatic $1 million renovation last year, after completing a successful two-year capital campaign. Renovated cardio and weight areas, new equipment, repurposed classroom space, and new locker rooms are just a few of the highlights that members of the Galion community have discovered and enjoyed since the renovation was completed in December.
The board, staff, volunteers, and members all played integral roles in the success of the campaign and renovation, and as a result, the Galion community now has greater access to a variety of new equipment, expanded class selections, and upgraded facilities. Through personal training, preschool, youth athletic programs, and Silver Sneakers offerings, the Galion Community Center YMCA is helping individuals and families throughout Galion become smarter, stronger, healthier, and happier.
Since 1957, the YMCA has worked to strengthen the Galion community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Over 183,000 men, women and children of various ages, incomes, backgrounds visit the Galion Community Center YMCA each year to participate in activities that nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the community’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. For more information about the Galion Community Center YMCA, visit galioncenterymca.org.