YMCA OF NORTHERN UTAH
Winter 2024
YOUR GIFT AT WORK
CAMP CHANGED MY LIFE, SO I WORK TO IMPACT OTHERS
Why Cate Schaerer chooses the Y!
PARTNER HIGHLIGHT Thank you to The Franks Family Foundation. This year they have been a vital partner to the YMCA and the youth we serve. This summer, our vision to elevate Y youth reached new heights—literally—thanks to the generous gift from The Franks Family Foundation. Because of their support, both YMCA Camp Roger and YMCA Mill Hollow are now home to brand-new low ropes courses! The lessons learned on the ropes course extended into other camp activities and will undoubtedly continue to influence their lives at home, in school, and beyond. We are deeply grateful to The Franks Family Foundation for their support in helping us get this project off the ground this spring!
"Reflecting on the past year fills me with immense gratitude for our donor community's unwavering support. Your generosity has been the cornerstone of our success at the YMCA of Northern Utah, allowing us to serve thousands of families and children and fostering growth within our communities. Today, I’m excited to share our bold vision for the future: the Elevating Youth Comprehensive Campaign, which encapsulates our new 5-year strategic plan. This plan will elevate our mission and amplify our impact, ensuring we remain a beacon of hope and opportunity for all. Our campaign focuses on three core pillars: Strengthening Family Connections: Strong families are vital for vibrant communities. We envision the Y as an inclusive organization where every family feels welcomed. We are introducing parent advisory groups and feedback mechanisms to better understand families' needs and support parents in raising our youth. Supporting Academic Success and Resilience: Education and personal development empower the next generation. We aim to partner with families and educational institutions to support academic success while fostering resilience in youth. Our goal is to innovate and develop engaging teen programs that cater to diverse interests, from arts to career development. Leading in Exploration and Life Skills Development: Outdoor experiences and life skills are crucial for youth development. We plan to expand our outdoor programs and travel opportunities. This requires infrastructure investment to support transformative experiences, preparing youth for future challenges. Your continued support is essential as we embark on this ambitious journey. Together, we can create an inclusive environment where every young person in Utah can reach their fullest potential. Thank you for being part of the YMCA family and believing in our vision. Together, we can build a brighter, stronger future for all." Warmest Regards,
With our mission as our guiding star, our Elevating Youth Campaign concentrates on our commitment to understanding and meeting our community's needs through high-quality programs and experiences.
THE FRANKS FAMILY FOUNDATION
OUR 5 YEAR VISION FOR A STRONG & BRIGHT FUTURE
4 QUESTIONS ABOUT HER LIFE-CHANGING TIME AT CAMP
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Meet Cate. Her journey with YMCA Camp Roger began at just eight years old when her mother, a former camper, signed her up. What started as an exciting childhood adventure in the beautiful Uinta Mountains soon grew into something much more—a place to call home filled with new friendships, experiences, and a deep sense of connection. Year after year, Cate eagerly awaited her summers at camp, where her confidence blossomed. As she grew, so did her desire to give back. Today, as a team member and program director, Cate helps create the same life-changing experiences that once shaped her. Cate’s warmth, positivity, welcoming spirit, and deep commitment to camp inspire everyone around her. Her love for camp is evident in the joy and growth of a new generation of campers, each one leaving with more confidence, connection, and sense of belonging than they arrived with. "After being at camp for even just a short time, I feel like the best version of myself," Cate shared. Her story is a living testament to the belonging we strive to create at the YMCA of Northern Utah.
"Going to camp and having an adult that actually cared about my interests and encouraged me to be myself was monumental."
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CATE SCHAERER
Question: Tell us about your favorite memory at camp and why? Answer: One of the most important days at camp for me was my 12th birthday. I hiked Moose Mountain for the first time which was kind of like a rite of passage at camp! Then, that night I got my blue rag in the Ragger's program that I now lead at camp. That was really special. Raggers is a global Y program in which you set personal goals with purpose and intention. I'd never done anything like that before and it really helped me discover more of who I am. I’ve had my birthday at camp the last 8 years and I wouldn’t want it any other way. My birthdays at camp are my favorite, I love celebrating with camp people.
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Question: In what ways did your experience as a camper inform your perspective as a camp leader? Answer: In class, I was a “wild child” and a lot of my teachers at school didn’t know what to do with me. I was often isolated from everyone else, so going to camp and having an adult that actually cared about my interests and encouraged me to be myself was monumental for me. I always aim to provide a safe space for all campers to be their most authentic selves while learning new skills and making new friends in a safe, supportive, and controlled environment.
Question: How have your experiences and work at camp informed who you are today? Answer: Camp has been the most formative experience to my personality. Because of camp, I learned how to have fun and make the most out of any situation. I've learned how to problem solve, but most importantly to me I’ve learned how to be a part of a team, as well as a leader. That skill has helped me in school, work, and just about everything else outside of camp. Most importantly, I know how to have fun while also learning, and how to have genuine, meaningful conversations.
Question: What are your first memories of YMCA Camp Roger? Answer: I have the fondest memories of theme nights at camp... I remember one of my first weeks was Carnival theme, and my mom and I had worked on my theme costume for two weeks before camp because I loved dressing up for theme night. My brother and I got the best costume awards a couple times. I also remember I had my first international counselor my 2nd year, and that was a really cool thing for me. I learned so much about the world outside of Utah.
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Will you join us?
COMCAST VOLUNTEERS TEACH SKILLS, BUILD CONFIDENCE, AND CREATE SPACES FOR BELONGING
We want you to join in this vital work of youth and family development. We have opportunities for you to make a mark in our community by elevating youth right here in Utah! Below are three ways you can get involved: Volunteer Your Time Visit our website to explore opportunities to lend a hand and inspire growth in your community. Support Our Year-End Campaign Your gift today helps us provide programs that build confidence, character, and life skills for Utah kids. Leave a Lasting Legacy Consider a Planned Gift to ensure your values continue to uplift generations to come. Let’s build stronger communities, together. Email us at development@ymcautah.org to learn more about how you can get involved.
PARTNERS WORKING FOR GOOD
Community is at the heart of everything we do at the Y, and we are grateful for partners like Comcast. Their support elevates youth and strengthens community foundations. A great example is Deneiva Knight, Comcast's External Affairs Director, who volunteered with our Youth Instructional Ski & Snowboard Program this winter. She helped kids find gear and encouraged them to tackle challenges and build friendships. Comcast's impact extends beyond the slopes. A Comcast team painted the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Lodge at YMCA Camp Roger (pictured below) preparing it for a summer of joy and connection. We are also excited to announce our new initiative with Comcast! This fall, YMCA Community Family Centers in Ogden and Taylorsville will offer Digital Navigation opportunities to help families navigate the internet safely and access affordable services. Comcast’s Internet Essentials program has been vital in connecting families to what matters most. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we learn and grow together.
Christopher Adams is a native Georgian. Growing up, he attended summer day camps and competed in fall soccer leagues at the YMCA of Athens. Today, he serves as the administrative assistant to the fund development team. He is excited to meet you and connect your passion with our mission. Whether giving of time, resources, or some other gift, he is here to help you make an impact through the Y! Visit our website and email him at cadams@ymcautah.org to learn more about ways to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Events and Opportunities Healthy Kids Day - Apr. 2025 End of Summer Camp Celebration - SUMMER 2025 WINTER WONDERLAND BREAKFAST TAYLORSVILLE - DEC. 6TH, 2025 OGDEN - DEC. 13TH, 2025
OUR Y IS GROWING!
MAJOR DONORS & PARTNERS
Chase Dreyfous, Chair Brady Fosmark Caitlin Hansen Brenda Lemus Mike McMenomy Kandace Williams
ELEVATING YOUTH CAMPAIGN CABINET
YMCA OF NORTHERN UTAH 675 E 2100 S, Suite 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84107 801-466-6299 ymcautah.org
INDIVIDUALS Addy P Hutchings Amanda Lail Amy Taylor Andrea Barlow Andrew Hansen Anne Brisk Ashley Radel Ben Wittig Brady and Colby Fosmark Brenda L. Jensen Chelsea Kaufman Colleen L. Bell Dalton Marshall David E. and Shar Quinney David and Amy Zak Dennis and Joan Mills Diana Telfer Eric and Maylene White Gary Millet Gryphon Olson Hank J. Louis Jacqueline Mabatah Jennifer Rigby Jessica T. Taylor Jewel Lee Kenley Johanna Toman John and Noel Davis Kane T. Riffe Lacey Cole-Rae Lauren Bucher Lee Lesburg Libby Driscoll Marilyn Janssen Mark and Kristen Adams Megan A . Gelston Meghan Tuohig Melissa Mejia Michael McMenomy Montserrat De Jesus-Millan Pamela Higginson Pamela Royer Rebecca Moore Richard West Scot Pannepacker Scott H. Parkinson Sharen Hauri and Trevor Ortman Teri Cooper Tony Kaye Tyrene Christopulos Wendell Williams Whitney Keys Yvonne Hogle ORGANIZATIONS Ally Bank America First Credit Union American Express Bank of Utah Big Lots Foundation Bingham's Cyclery Black Diamond Equipment Bur Oak Foundation Cascade Designs (MSR) Charities Aid Foundation of America Charles Schwab Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Cole Sport Comcast Comenity Capital Bank Community Foundation of Utah Cottonwood Paddle Company David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation Deer Valley Resort Delta Air Lines Enbridge Emma Eccles Jones Foundation Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players Inc. First Community Bank Francis W. Burton Foundation Franks Family Foundation George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation Granite School District Governor's Office of Economic Development Gregory Mountain Products GSBS Architects Herbert I. and Elsa B. Michael Foundation Hogle Zoo Intermountain Healthcare Klymit Janet Q. Lawson Foundation JoAnne L. Shrontz Family Foundation Joseph and Kathleen Sorenson Legacy Foundation Kennecott Utah Copper Charitable Foundation Larry H. Miller Charities Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation Marriner S. Eccles Foundation Masonic Foundation of Utah Momentum Indoor Climbing Ogden School District Park City Community Foundation Park City Sunrise Rotary Patagonia Outlet Ralph Nye Charitable Foundation RET Venutres Ruth Eleanor Bamberger and John Ernest Bamberger Foundation Sallie Mae Sempra Energy Share Winter Foundation Stephen G. and Susan E. Denkers Family Foundation Stewart Education Foundation The Boyer Company The Ligety/Sharp Family Charitable Fund The Miner Foundation Thomas and Candace Dee Gift Fund Troutman Pepper United Way of Northern Utah Utah Association of Financial Services Weber School Foundation Willard L. Eccles Foundation YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region YMCA of the USA Youth United! Zions Bank
OUR MISSION: To provide our communities with experiences that enhance healthy mind, body, and spirit while building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Andrea Barlow, Chair Jessica Taylor, Vice Chair Aaron Austad, Treasurer John Davis, Secretary Mark Adams Jaymie Fung Bigham Dawn Brandvold Amy Campos Teri Cooper Patrick Green Dereck Jacobs Tony Kaye Brenda Jensen Jacqueline Mabatah Mike McMenomy Eric White Nailah Blades Wylie Diana Telfer