I was hit immediately by the whimsical but strong glint that shone through those blue zebra rimmed sunglasses. Behind those glasses were hidden the eyes of one of the world's most integral creators of modern day fitness. With an obscurely cracked joke and a punch to the shoulder I finally met the infamous Jack LaLanne along with his wife Elaine. Seeing as health is one of the YMCA's most important goals it was definitely appropriate to invite Jack to the Berkeley-Albany YMCA's Annual Celebration.
Along with the LaLannes the YMCA also honored radio host and parent educator Rona Renner and Pumpsie Green, the first African American player for the Boston Red Sox.
The Task Force was invited to the event for a number of reasons. We covered a wide array of jobs at the reception and dinner. Several of us were pretty much there to greet, mingle, and guide Jack and Elaine and other honorees and guests around. In our journeys we met and conversed with many people integral to our project: YMCA Board Members, donors and community leaders. We had an exhibit set up where two teens were explaining the Teen Center to a nothing less than captivated audience. Two other teens were also lucky enough to present an award to our friend Joerg Heidrich the Senior Vice President and Berkeley Site Head from Bayer HealthCare. Bayer has been such a help to the project and was honored as the YMCA’s Corporate Partner of the Year at the event.
In addition to all our great interactions we actually learned a thing or two and had some great food. This night showed us a new side to the Teen Center project. It gave us insight into how important the Teen Center actually is to the YMCA. No pressure though…we just have the weighty expectations of a whole lot of people not to mention a whole lot of money riding on our shoulders. I know we can pull through. Of course it helps seeing the YMCA pull together such a fabulous, well-crafted event. With skills like that on the team as well as this remarkable group I know we can make the Teen Center a marvelous reality.
If you missed the YMCA’s Annual Celebration you can still check out the slideshow of the event by clicking here.
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