Meet Our Donors

‘I Wanted to Demonstrate to My Daughters the Importance of Giving Back’

Mary Ann’s daughters loved summers at the Y and Mary Ann enjoyed exercise classes with her friends. Years later, her mom benefited greatly from a Y program established for Parkinson’s patients.

Satara's Story

My Y story started when someone believed I would be a good fit for the Northside YMCA board. I completed my board member application and would soon learn that the best kept secret in my neighborhood was less than a mile away.

Quita and Bill Collins Express Appreciation for the Y Through Their Estate

Quita and Bill Collins, each born and raised in Richmond, met on a blind date in college. Their University of Richmond roots run deep. Two of their three children attended UR, and Quita worked for the University for ten years.

Krissy Gathright with husband Jay and sons Luke, Lane, and Tate

Modeling Philanthropy for Future Generations

Krissy Gathright, Executive Vice President and COO of Apple Hospitality REIT, was introduced as a youth to the YMCA in her hometown of Waynesboro, Virginia, as a gym and a place for community gatherings. Over the years she has learned about and embraced the broader mission of the Y.

The Carol McGee Memorial Endowment Fund Creates a Legacy of Compassion

Carol Ingram McGee was a longtime Tuckahoe YMCA member and had a passion for teaching and participating in group exercise classes.

John and Jane Fain Make Gifts to Support the Y's Future

John and Jane Fain are longtime supporters of the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND. John began as a volunteer on the annual campaign for the Tuckahoe Family YMCA then later led the Tuckahoe and Association Boards. Every year Jane participates in back-to-school shopping trips for YMCA Bright Beginnings.

Martha Frickert: Board Chair’s Gift Repays Lifelong Connection to the Y

"Faith, family and friends": Those are the key words that Martha Frickert lives by. The Y has served as a cornerstone of her life—which is why she has included the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND in her estate plan.

Bill and Jane Liepis: IOU Leads to Board Service and Estate Gift

It all started with an "I owe you"—and the result has been a lot of volunteer service and a bequest in a revised estate plan. When Bill Liepis was invited by Scott Strickler to become a member of the Tuckahoe Family YMCA Board, he willingly reciprocated—Scott had joined the board of another non-profit at Bill's request.

John Kemper’s Current and Future Gifts Provide Hope for Children at the Y

John Kemper first became acquainted with the YMCA when his wife gave him a membership to the Downtown Y to encourage him to work out more. John did just that, losing 40 pounds and during that time learning that the Y is so much more.

O’Neill Provides for the Y’s Future Today. “What Am I Waiting For?”

That's the question Megan O'Neill asked herself when she decided to put the Y in her will. She was only 30 years old at the time. The catalyst for preparing a will was the birth of her son, Owen, now 15.

Y Aligns Perfectly With Values

Tracey Ragsdale is a servant leader. For more than 16 years, she has blessed and been blessed by the YMCA. And her planned gift ensures that her work will endure. Tracey states matter-of-factly, "I hope the Y is one of the first charities people think of when I die."

36 Years at the Y, and Still Giving

"I got my first paycheck from the Y when I was only 15 years old," Barry Taylor says proudly as he completes his 36th year as a YMCA employee. Taylor, currently president and CEO of the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND, has announced his retirement from the Y at the end of the year.

Steve and Bobbie Thomas: One Life at a Time Changed by Generosity

The cord of Steve and Bobbie Thomas's generosity is woven of three strands: personal history, individual ability and giving back. "I grew up in Lynchburg, and we were relatively poor," Steve recalls. "The Y was where I learned to swim and started playing basketball. But I don't know who paid."