Volunteers of the Year

The YMCA of the Palms wouldn't be able to offer quality programs, provide excellent service or build strong kids, strong families and strong communities without our dedicated, gifted and generous volunteers.

 

Our volunteers bring their expertise to almost all areas of the YMCA. Though their roles are as varied as supporting community programs, greeting members and participants, coaching and watching over children, each has one thing in common - commitment to the YMCA of the Palms. We are grateful to each and every volunteer who donates their time, energy and talents.

 

This year, we have selected a group of outstanding volunteers who give of themselves to make a difference in our community.

 

 

 

Our most prestigious YMCA recognition is the Pioneer Preeminent Award. This award is given to an individual who has provided continuous service over the years to the YMCA. The recipient is one who has helped share the mission of the YMCA and guide the organization to its highest abilities. This year, thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Lal Gaynor, the YMCA opened the new Gaynor Child Development Center. The center is serving 126 children each day. The Gaynor CDC will help improve the lives of children in our community for generations to come. Lal, her late husband George, and their extended family have supported this YMCA for many years. Lal has been a strong advocate for the YMCA and for all the families and citizens of Collier County. She is a friend of children everywhere. Whether she is handing out Halloween candy, reading stories, or visiting child care classrooms, she is a friend to all children. Lal is a strong community leader. She leads through her gracious ways, to do the right things for the right reasons. The YMCA is both lucky and fortunate to have been blessed by the “Love of Lal.”

 

 

Wayne has been a volunteer at this Y since retiring in Naples in 2000. His leadership skills complement his volunteer efforts as he has served on the Greater Naples Board as Member, Chairman, Marketing Committee and Volunteer Committee. He believes in establishing the Naples Branch as the preeminent Collier community center, maintaining our reputation as the #1 childcare provider in Naples, increasing emphasis on family members through quality adult programs, and promoting ongoing partnering with both Collier Schools and faith-based organizations. Wayne was employed by General Motors for 36 years, retiring as Director of Quality Systems for North American Trucks. Wayne lights up the YMCA atmosphere with his charisma, sense of humor and positive encouragement. His wife, Annie, is also an active volunteer at the Greater Naples YMCA Branch.

 

 

Scott has been an instrumental member of the Naples Board for several terms, having served as Chairman in 2005. His jovial demeanor is infectious as his areas of service expertise include providing leadership and support for the Annual Support Campaign, historical research, and the financial development initiative. Scott’s first job was as a summer camp counselor at the Y and he has served on various YMCA boards across the country ever since. He is a retired attorney, having served in senior positions in the Legal Departments of IBM and Siemens. Scott and his wife, Mary, have five children and two grandchildren.

 

 

Don was an instrumental role in the Capital Campaign for the Bonita Y and has served on the Bonita Board, acting as 2009 Chairman. Don has the natural ability to motivate and rally other volunteers. As he consistently raises abundant funds for the Annual Campaign, Don has built many partnerships between the Y and other community organizations and businesses. He manages the Bonita Springs law office of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. A pillar in the Bonita Springs community, Don was the recipient of the Bonita Springs Citizen of the Year Award in 2002. His wife, Kim, and four children are very active at the YMCA as well, both as members and staff.