What do sea otters, appreciation, and philanthropy have in common? An "otterly awesome" staff appreciation and philanthropy year kick-off party, that's what!

Last month, the Boothbay Region YMCA kicked off its 2023 fundraising year with a staff appreciation breakfast. Erin Gray, the Y's senior program director, while gamely dressed as her favorite animal, the sea otter, updated the staff on the impact they made on programs in the prior year. She shared her reasons for giving back to the Y and connected the staff's work with the role of philanthropy. Not only do staff support the Y every year, but they join the Board of Trustees as philanthropy leaders with early pledges to the Annual Fund, the Camp K Financial Aid Fund, and the A Greater Impact Campaign, the three philanthropic priority impact areas at the Y.

The event included 5- and 6-year-old students from the Harbor Montessori School who painted rocks, in a nod to a favorite item that otters collect, and munched on themed snacks. The adults also enjoyed delicious breakfast offerings from the East Boothbay General Store and Eventide. Development Director Allyson Goodwin shared how she believes that everyone in the room is a philanthropist. "The word philanthropy is derived from ancient Greek and literally means "for the love of humankind. Any act of kindness is considered philanthropy and all of us have the opportunity to support the Y in a way that feels good and comes from our hearts." She also mentioned that foundations are more likely to give grants if there is a high level of participation among staff and trustees.

Trustee Jack Brennan delivered a heart-felt message to the staff and said, “Each of you has a unique set of skills that blends neatly into the Y’s concept of selfless giving. By the nature of your work, you are required to wear many hats … there is no doubt that you prove to be a winning team on an annual basis. We, Y members, are your rabid fans. Each of you has transformational gifts that enable you to serve as mentors, confidants, advisors, teachers, and simply as friends to a wide-ranging age-group.”

Board Chair Charlie Britton followed up with a story about an out-of-town guest who recently stayed with him who shared that the warm welcome he received playing pickleball at the Y was one of his highlights of his first trip to Maine.

After the connecting, eating, and speechifying, Trustee Bill Haney pulled staff names out of a hat to receive gift certificates donated by local merchants and donors. The Y is grateful for the generous gift certificates donated by the House of Logan, Sherman's, the East Boothbay General Store, Grover’s, Coastal Maine Popcorn Company, and Jack and Barbara Brennan, who contributed L.L. Bean gift certificates. 

It was an "otterly fun" event and a great way to kick off the year and to reflect on all of the ways that the community impacts the Y and how the Y impacts the community as a catalyst for transformative good.