36 Years at the Y, and Still Giving

Fall, 2012

"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.

Taylor's first paid position was as a bowling league secretary keeping track of scores for a father/son league at the Y in his Baltimore neighborhood. During high school, he worked as a YMCA lifeguard, swimming instructor and camp director.

As his career progressed, Taylor served YMCA associations in an executive capacity in Maryland, Pennsylvania and California before coming to Richmond 10 years ago.

When addressing his staff, Taylor reminds them of his early commitment to giving back. "Even though my first paycheck back then was $6.50, I began my support of the YMCA and the United Way and I have never stopped to this day."

Taylor sees the value of building the YMCA endowment through planned gifts, direct contributions to the endowment and making the Y the beneficiary of a 401(k) plan or a life insurance policy. "There are many ways to create a legacy at the Y," he says. "It really depends on the individual's circumstances. It is something everyone can do."

Both as a father and grandfather, Taylor sees the importance of everyone having a will. He wants to be sure that his family is cared for, and he also wants to ensure that vulnerable children and families in the future will have the financial assistance they need to benefit from the Y programs and services to which he has dedicated his career.

"When donors give to the Y, they continue to strengthen the community and move us all forward," Taylor notes. Whether it is preschool education or wellness programs for the elderly who live in poverty, teen development programs or support systems for cancer survivors, the YMCA continues to strengthen spirit, mind and body. As the nation's leading non-profit for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y uses planned gifts to build the endowment. The endowment ensures that thousands of individuals in the Richmond region will be stronger, healthier and part of a caring community.

Taylor concludes, "My planned gift ensures that the Y's programs and services will remain open to all."