The Hopewell Valley YMCA anounced that their annual ‘Spring for the Y,’ Daffodils and Dancing Charity Cocktail Event, will take place on Friday, April 29th at the Glenmoore Barn from 6:40-9:30PM just outside Hopewell Borough.
The YMCA’s nominating committee unanimously selected Kim Bruno to receive the 2016 Larry Rothwell Social Responsibility Award and Hopewell Valley Community Bank to receive the first ever Corporate Community Leadership Award.
Named for Larry Rothwell of Pennington Quality Market, the Larry Rothwell Social Responsibility Award recognizes heroes and leaders local heroes and leaders whose service to others has become a guiding light to our community. In giving the award this year, the Y recognized how Kim Bruno has worked to make a difference in the lives of many in the Hopewell community every day. But more importantly, just like the Rothwell family, she inspires countless others to do more. Similarly Hopewell Valley Community Bank, a division of Northfield Bank, has repeatedly supported our YMCA with resources to fulfill our mission through financial, strategic, and volunteer support.
Among Kim’s achievements are her volunteer positions with the PTOs at Bear Tavern Elementary School and Timberlane Middle School, and the communications committee for the Hopewell Valley Regional School District. She started Project Democracy to educate and encourage children to vote and be active in the community. Kim was a board member of the Hopewell Valley YMCA and the advisor to the Hopewell Township Youth Advisory Board. Kim’s work with the Youth Advisory Board led to the creation of the Hopewell Valley Youth Activity Center, the “YAC,” for teens. The YAC is celebrating its fifth anniversary as an integral part of the YMCA’s mission. She also currently serves as the director of the Hopewell Valley Recreation Foundation and as a trustee for local nonprofit VolunteerConnect.
YMCA CEO Doug Pszczolkowski stated, “Kim’s leadership and self-sacrifice were singularly instrumental in creating the YAC. Five years of local teens have been served because of Kim’s vision and leadership. I am proud to have worked with her on executing a plan to open a drop in center for young teens to be safe and have fun.”
“Hopewell Valley Community Bank has been a great partner for our YMCA over the years, generously providing financial support for our programming, volunteers for our community initiatives and financial know-how for our administration.” stated YMCA President Ryan Kennedy. “We can’t thank them enough for their work with small businesses and non-profits in Hopewell Valley and beyond.”
The Y is excited to be brining the event back to Hopewell Valley, giving attendees the chance to see the beautifully restored, historic Glenmoore Barn, while enjoying cocktails and the delicious offerings of Main Street Catering. Local musicians, Castle Lane, will provide live entertainment.
At the event, the Y will be asking attendees to join in a special champagne toast to Kim and Hopewell Valley Community Bank, with participants having an opportunity to win a $4,000 diamond, graciously donated by Robin Hepburn’s Orion Jewelry Studio. proceeds from the event provides an opportunity to visit an historic Hopewell treasure, the Glenmoore Barn.
Proceeds will benefit the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, which provides operating expenses for the Hopewell Valley Youth Activity center (the “YAC”), celebrating five years of providing a safe and fun environment for the young teens in our community. Proceeds also provide financial assistance to families for childcare services, summer camp, swimming lessons, youth sports, dance classes, and our multiple Special Olympics teams. Early sponsors include Hopewell Valley Community Bank, Pennington Quality Market, MercerMe, Dahlia, Orion Jewelry, The Front Porch, Freeholder John Cimino, Surety Title, Tom & Patti Finn, Michelle Needham/Gloria Nielsen, Glenmoore Farm, and the Hamilton Area YMCA. Benefactors include Rene Belder and Suzette Belder-Carr, Tom and Patti Finn, John and Kitty Lou Phillips, Randy and Geri Bull, Michael Baldorossi and Erin Dahms, Ryan Kennedy and Mary Galioto, Doug and Amy Pszczolkowski, Brian and Annemarie Hofacker, Tim and Heather O’Connell, Mike and Claire Shevlin, and Carl and Molly Rice.
Limited tickets and corporate sponsorships are available at hvymca.org or by calling 609-737-3048.
The Hopewell Valley YMCA is a charitable organization dedicated to building a healthy spirit, mind, and body through programs which promote good health, strong families, youth leadership, and community development. YMCA’s are open to men, women, and children of all ages, abilities, races, and religions.
MercerMe contributor Ryan Kennedy serves as the President of the Board of Directors of the Hopewell Valley YMCA, and MercerMe is proud to support the event as a sponsor.
