More than a gym-and-swim, the Hopkinsville Christian County Family YMCA, its officials and its members took time for their annual dinner and review Thursday night — looking back at 2023 and ahead to 2024.
According to CEO Sheryl Ellis, the biggest item of 2023 involved the preparation of the non-profit organization’s financial stability coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This meant the establishment of the Hopkinsville-Christian County YMCA Foundation, and consistent messaging from outgoing Chief Volunteer Officer Bennett Peck Greene — who Ellis said spent the year publicly lifting awareness about a campus full of mission-minded individuals and community program support.
The new 501 (c)(3), Ellis added, only enhances the message.
Meanwhile, much is in store for 2024.
Ellis confirmed that a few tickets still remain for the highly-anticipated inaugural “Midnight at the Masquerade” murder-mystery dinner. A troupe from Nashville, Tennessee, will bring the show — with F&M Bank as its main sponsor.
Scheduled for 6 PM Saturday, March 2, at the Hopkinsville Golf & Country Club, it is $75 per individual or $125 per couple, has a cash bar, and its proceeds will go to benefit YMCA outreach programs like the food distribution, youth camps and sports, and Rock Steady Boxing.
Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com or at the YMCA Welcome Center.
Ticket sales alone, if sold out, would generate at least $6,500 for the YMCA, which Ellis noted has other ways of generating revenue.
This just happens to be a new, unique and candid idea — and one sprung by the YMCA team and its board.
Speaking of the 2024 annual campaign, Ellis said a familiar face is serving as its chair.
The back end of 2024, she added, will be spent further developing a strategic plan organizing what the next 3-to-5 years should look like for the staff, as well as the residents, of Hopkinsville, Christian County and surrounding communities.
Three key individuals were also recognized for their contributions last year:
— Caldwell County native and longtime tennis enthusiast Garnet Scott was named “Volunteer of the Year.”
— An employee at the Y!, Randy Sweeney was tabbed as “Role Model of the Year.”
— And Hopkinsville native Blaine Lynch earned a nod for “Coach of the Year.”
Sandy Grogan was also named the incoming Chief Volunteer Officer.
