Hundreds of members, supporters, board members and staff members gathered at White's Restaurant in Westport on March 8, 2016 to kick off the 2016 fundraising campaign. YMCA Southcoast  CEO Gary Schuyler began the session with a one-minute video entitled "Zoe for President" that depicts a one-year-old who someday may become President as a way for the YMCA on-line fundraiser. YMCA Southcoast Development Director Rhonda Veugen then introduced a series of speakers including Briden Norton, Raechel McGhee, Norm and Deb Letendre, Susan Spano Piacenti for Sharon DeCosta, Ellyn Gallant and former Providence Journal writer Bob Kerr. The event ended with closing remarks by Board Chairman Peter Bullard who quoted Jackie Robinson when he said "A life is not important except in the impact it has on others," adding that "the Y impacts others" and encouraged those present to donate generously to the campaign. Click here for a 43-minute video of the event. For more information about the campaign, contact Rhonda Veugen at 508-996-9622 X 128.

(Top row) CEO Gary Schuyler kicks off the event by introducing a one-minute video entitled "Zoe for President" before turning the program over to Development Director Rhonda Veugen who introduced a series of speakers. (Row two) Briden Norton and Raechel McGhee tell their stories to illustrate youth development before Deb and Norm Letendre tell their story about how the Y has helped them with healthy living. (Row three) Susan Spano Piacenti speaks for member  Sharon DeCosta about her participation in the LiveStrong Program, Ellyn Gallant talks about social responsibility, and former Providence Journal writer Bob Kerr talks about his volunteer work with children who are publishing their very own newspaper at the Y. (Bottom row) Board Chairman Peter Bullard and CEO Gary Schuyler close the program as Rhonda Veugen listens with other staff.