Adjust Text Size

For Immediate Release
10/21/09
Back to Releases

Pippy Receives State YMCA Legislative Champion Award

For helping YMCA build strong kids, families and communities.

Harrisburg – State Sen. John Pippy (R-37) has been chosen to receive the first-ever Legislative Champion Award from the Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs.

The award recognizes the senator’s "help, support and engagement in helping YMCAs to build strong kids, families and communities," according to YMCA Pennsylvania State Alliance Chairman Frank Frey.

The award was presented at a ceremony Monday in Harrisburg attended by more than 100 YMCA CEOs, staff, board members and volunteers from across Pennsylvania. The reception was held in conjunction with the 2009 Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs’ Advocacy Days, in which alliance members discuss legislative priorities for the upcoming year and makes visits to the state Capitol.

"It is truly an honor, and I deeply appreciate this recognition," said Pippy.  "Each of us here tonight has a personal connection to the YMCA – as a member, volunteer, or donor – and we can all attest to their ability to respond to critical social needs. The breadth of programs and services provided by the YMCA – including child care, health and wellness, day camp, housing, gang prevention, anti-drug and alcohol education, character development – make a real difference in the lives of families."

Senator Pippy was presented the award by Dr. David Stevenson, Executive Director of the Sewickley Valley YMCA. "Senator Pippy has been a great friend of the Sewickley Valley YMCA. His enthusiastic leadership and support has enabled the Y to strengthen our work in building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities," said Stevenson.  

Senator Pippy recently joined the newly formed Legislative YMCA Caucus.  The caucus hopes to keep the issues impacting the YMCAs on the public agenda, focusing attention on the Y’s health and wellness initiatives, such as childhood obesity and chronic disease prevention.

YMCAs are collectively the largest nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania, with more YMCAs having been founded than in any other state. There are a total of 164 YMCAs serving urban, suburban and rural communities across Pennsylvania.

CONTACT:

Matt Campion
(717) 787-5839