Generations of Giving Building Futures at the YMCA of Northern Utah
Elevating Youth Campaign Donor Newsletter Fall 2025
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board of directors
Nailah Blades Wylie Wylie & Co. LLC
Amy Campos Bank of America
Eric White GSBS Architects
Chase Dreyfous serves as the chair of the YMCA’s Elevating Youth Campaign and has learned from his family’s legacy how to advocate for the underserved and inspire philanthropy in his friends and community members. Following the example of his father and grandfather, Chase reaches out to people who have never served on a board or campaign cabinet and takes the time to teach them how they can make meaningful impact in the community. Leading the way, Chase hosted the first YMCA Salon Event of 2025 at the Edison House in downtown Salt Lake City. A night of personal testimonies on belonging, summer fun, and resiliency at the YMCA set the stage for Chase to challenge those present to consider becoming a new friend of the YMCA, as well as give the gift of experiences to Utah kids. We were able to raise enough money for one cabin at YMCA Camp Roger. But there is still much to do—more dollars to raise and more opportunities to give not only at Camp Roger but also at YMCA Mill Hollow and all of our YMCA programs across Northern Utah. If you are curious and want to learn more about the Elevating Youth Campaign, we would enjoy discussing how you can help. Would you consider joining Chase and the rest of the cabinet in the Elevating Youth Campaign? Let us follow Chase's lead and step into a hopeful tomorrow where all kids and families in Utah build belonging and resiliency and can thrive!
elevating youth campaign Cabinet
Brenda Jensen Zions Bank
"Giving is contagious... When we elevate kids, we all rise together." — Chase Dreyfous, Campaign Chair
John Davis, Secretary Retired (formerly with Holland & Hart LLP)
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Diana Telfer Telfer Family Law & Mediation
Dave Christensen Select Engineering Services
Carolyn Austad Weber State University
Andrea Barlow, Chair MillerKnoll
Jaymie Fung Bingham RET Ventures
Robert Horsey Regal Conservatories of Utah
Tony Kaye Retired (formerly with Troutman Pepper Locke)
Aaron Austad, Treasurer Boyer Company
Caitlin Hansen Mindless Labs
Cali Gurnicki YMCA Mill Hollow Director
Jessica Taylor, Vice Chair University of Utah
Mike McMenomy Retired (formerly with CBRE Global Investors)
Chase Dreyfous, Chair YMCA of Northern Utah
Dereck Jacobs Bank of Utah
Jacqueline Mabatah Ballard Spahr LLP
Nick Gundersen Handshake
Margaret Conroy University of Utah
Mike McMenomy CBRE Investment Management
Brady Fosmark Bank of Utah
Kandace Williams Body by Design OC & Motivational Speaker
Campaign chair leads the way chase dreyfous
Chase Dreyfous Host
Teri Cooper Early Warning Services LLC
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Ellen Rossi
JoAnne L. Shrontz
Four Generations of Quinney/Lawsons at Bear Lake
Legacy of Bold Leadership, Family, and Philanthropy This month, we had the privilege of sitting down with Ellen Rossi, granddaughter of Janet Quinney Lawson, to learn more about her family’s legacy of giving and their deep connection to the YMCA of Northern Utah. Ellen shared powerful memories of her grandmother, a woman who was unapologetically bold—unafraid to speak up, make waves, and create meaningful change. “Janet pushed boundaries and wasn't afraid to make things happen,” Ellen said. “She inspired our family to lean into the needs of the community, listen, and act.” The Lawson Family’s connection to the YMCA began decades ago when Janet’s husband, Fred, became a passionate supporter. But it was Janet’s deep commitment to strengthening communities, while supporting children and healthy families, that has cemented the family’s lasting bond with the Y. The YMCA’s mission aligns closely with the values of the Janet Q. Lawson Foundation and Janet's own vision of a thriving, inclusive Utah. Ellen’s mother was also a strong community member advocating for youth, arts, and the environment. For Ellen, the impact is personal. As a mother herself, Ellen strives to pass on opportunities for children to discover their independence, potential, and leadership skills. “Camps and enrichment programs show kids who they can become,” she explained. “Once they see their potential, it creates a domino effect that lasts a lifetime.” The YMCA’s wraparound approach of filling in gaps by partnering with schools, expanding access to early learning, providing leadership opportunities, and creating belonging for every child is what excites Ellen most. By supporting the YMCA, the Lawson Family invests in education, nature, and the arts. Together, their impact supports future generations by empowering today’s youth to thrive. Today, through the Janet Q. Lawson Foundation, Ellen and her family continue that legacy by partnering with organizations like the YMCA to bridge generations, uplift youth, and strengthen families so the next generations can flourish. We are profoundly grateful to the Lawson Family for their steadfast support and for reminding us that when we invest in children and families, we build a stronger Utah for everyone.
Janet q. lawson foundation
Janet Q. Lawson
A Commitment to Learning and Community
Our partnership continues to grow with our new Teen Club Program at Thomas Jefferson Jr. High, open for the 2025-2026 school year. The district’s support of our mission and thoughtful collaboration over the years have made a huge difference in the lives of those we serve!
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YMCA Afterschool
YMCA Preschool
Granite School District Granite School District has been educating kids in the Salt Lake Valley for over 110 years. Since its founding, the school district has grown to include 83 schools, serving nearly 60,000 kids this year. With a mission to help students achieve their highest potential, Granite School District provides kids and families with learning environments that empower and inspire. Here at the YMCA, we are proud to partner with school districts to meet the needs of the students they serve. For over 15 years, Granite School District has provided the YMCA with space and resources for our Afterschool Programs.
In 2006, Tom Nissalke, the YMCA's former CEO and longtime board member and a former Utah Jazz coach, stepped up to the line determined to help the Y meet the challenges that the community was facing. Tom reached out to trusted friends and community supporters, including Utah entrepreneur and visionary Jim Sorenson Sr. At that time, Tom hoped Jim might consider giving a $50,000 gift to support YMCA Camp Roger. Instead, Jim said, “How about I give a challenge grant? How does a half million dollars sound?” That commitment grew into a full million dollar challenge grant! Jim’s gift was transformational. The YMCA renewed Camp Roger into a thriving summer camp. We were also able to faithfully respond to community needs and build our first dedicated Community Family Center in Taylorsville with Granite School District to expand Afterschool, Preschool, and Summer Day Camp programs. Today, as we continue to grow and strengthen the YMCA, we honor Jim’s legacy by striving to create the kind of transformational opportunities for young people and families that he made possible. We are grateful to the Sorenson Family for carrying that legacy forward through their support of YMCA Mill Hollow and Preschool Programs, ensuring the YMCA remains a place where lives are shaped for the better for generations to come.
The Sorenson Legacy Foundation transformed the ymca
Richard K. and Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation In 1987, the Richard K. and Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation was founded with the mission of improving the quality of life in Utah communities. Richard and Shirley believed that when we contribute to bettering our communities, our lives are more meaningful. From arts and culture to environmental stewardship and supporting self-sufficiency, the Hemingways have built a legacy of supporting important causes to uplift and help Utahns thrive. The Richard K. and Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation has been a partner of the YMCA since the early days of our Preschool Programs. Since 2013, our partnership has brought meaningful and affordable education to Utah families to better our community and strengthen every kid’s future. The Richard K. and Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation understands the vital formation found in preschool. We are so grateful for over 10 years of generous support and look forward to continued collaboration and partnership.
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YMCA Mill Hollow
YMCA Preschool Graduation
When you give to the YMCA, you are not just helping a child today—you are investing in the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and doers who will carry our community forward. Please make a gift today!
YMCA Fall Festival
annual support opportunities
Will you consider an end-of-year gift to the YMCA of Northern Utah? Let’s keep the joy and growth going.
Here’s How You Can Help!
YMCA Camp Roger
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When you think back to your childhood, can you remember an experience or two that taught you that you were powerful, important, and had something to add to the world? That feeling is self-efficacy. A week at camp, a season of preschool, or a place in a teen leadership program can change a young life, building confidence and resilience. This gift can only be given through intentional planning and nurtured relationships. This holiday season, we invite you to join us in providing local youth with these life-shaping experiences.
YMCA ELEVATING YOUTH CAMPAIGN NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
Share the joy of the ymca
Camp needs your help! The YMCA of Northern Utah owns and operates two camps in the beautiful Uinta Mountains. After acquiring the fading camp Mill Hollow from Granite School District in 2017, the YMCA has been able to serve more than 3,654 kids there! But the buildings at YMCA Camp Roger and YMCA Mill Hollow were built in 1948 and 1964 respectfully, and these critical upgrades are needed for the safety and comfort of our campers:
GIve the gift of experience this holiday season
Cabin Renovations Craft House High Ropes Course Lodge Renovations Horse Corral & Barn Fire Pits
YMCA Read, Race & Splash Bash
Host a Giving Tree in Your Office or Lobby This year, local businesses, schools, and community partners across Northern Utah are hosting Giving Trees. The YMCA supplies ornaments which hosts display on their trees. Patrons, clients, and members can choose an ornament to donate an experience scholarship—opening opportunities for children who might not otherwise have them. To participate, contact Katie Allred at KAllred@YMCAutah.org to schedule a materials drop-off. Planned Giving Making a gift in your will, trust, or by beneficiary designation is a powerful way to carry your support forward and ensure that future generations of youth will have these opportunities and continue to build a strong, compassionate community. We would be grateful to know if you want to include YMCA in your plan. If you’ve already included the YMCA of Northern Utah in your will, trust, or estate plans, thank you!
YMCA Overnight Camp Fridays at YMCA Camp Roger and YMCA Mill Hollow are filled with cheers, songs, and excited waves as campers welcome their families for closing ceremonies. Their faces glow with stories of mountain adventures, starlit nights, and new friendships. Thanks to generous camper checkout donations, we raised $28,000—enough to gift 40 full weeks of camp through our experience scholarship program. That’s the magic of camp, shared forward. YMCA summer day camp Summer Day Camp was packed with games, friendships, learning, swimming—and our Duck Duck Donate Campaign, which added even more heart. Thanks to generous families, we raised $2,000 to fund 10 full weeks of camp through our scholarship program. We wrapped up with our Read, Race & Splash Bash, where campers raced rubber ducks, made donations, showed off swim skills, and celebrated the joy of giving back. Back to school School’s back and we’re celebrating the fall season with costumes, games, trunk-or-treat fun, and a chance to give back! We’re partnering with Savers to raise $1,500—no tricks, just treats! Support our Fall Fundraiser by donating gently used clothes, household textiles, books, kitchen items, toys, and small electronics at our Community Family Centers in Taylorsville and Ogden.
Pam Higginson Director of Advancement
Silver Level INDIVIDUALS Aaron T. Austad* Amy Campos* Ann Brisk Benjamin Wittig Beth Downing Chad Van Ginkel Colin Campbell Dereck Jacobs* Diana Telfer* Eric White* Jaymie Fung Bingham* Judd Grayzel Kandace Williams** Katherine May Kristin Calderwood Nailah Blades Wylie* Nathan Muyskens Owen Ells Pamela Higginson Rich West Scot Pannepacker Stephanie Harpst Teri Cooper* Trisha Owsley ORGANIZATIONS Armstrong Family Foundation Ascent Credit Union Cole Sport Easton Sports Development Foundation JCPenney Loveland Living Planet Aquarium Park City Sunrise Rotary Thomas and Candace Dee Gift Fund Walmart South Ogden Store #5206
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Chelsea Kauffman Annual Gifts Director
Behind every strong program is a strong fundraising team making it possible
Sarah Bundy Director, Grant Development & Management
DONORS
Gold Level INDIVIDUALS Andrea Barlow* Ashley Gardner Ashley Radel Barry Bergquist Carson Mayhew Charles L. Archer Curt P. Crowther David E. Quinney Dennis J. Mills Geoffrey Crockett James C. Dreyfous Jessica T. Taylor* Jewel Lee Kenley John Davis* Kimberly Heglar Lacey Cole-Rae Lee Lesburg Mackenzie Goodwin Margaret Busse Megan Schulz Michael McMenomy* ** Michael Montgomery Rebecca Moore Spencer Timmons Tony Kaye* Tyler Godfrey Tyrene Christopulos ORGANIZATIONS Ally Bank American Express Bank of Utah City of Taylorsville Comcast Comenity Capital Bank Delta Air Lines David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation Emma Eccles Jones Foundation Franks Family Foundation Garth and Sharon Beck Foundation George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation Governor's Office of Economic Development GSBS Architects Henry W. and Leslie M. Eskuche Foundation Herbert I. and Elsa B. Michael Foundation Hoffman-Brouse Foundation Hogle Zoo Intermountain Health Janet Q. Lawson Foundation Kahlert Foundation Kennecott Utah Copper Charitable Foundation Kroger Co. Foundation Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation Marriner S. Eccles Foundation Masonic Foundation of Utah Ogden Musical Theater Park City Community Foundation Ralph Nye Charitable Foundation R.A.M.P. Reader Link Richard K. and Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation Ruth Eleanor Bamberger and John Ernest Bamberger Foundation Sallie Mae Select Health Serta Mattress Share Winter Foundation Snap Finance Foundation Sorenson Legacy Foundation Stewart Education Foundation The Boyer Company The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Thom and Gail Williamsen Family Foundation Utah Association of Financial Services Walmart Foundation WEX Bank Willard L. Eccles Foundation YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region YMCA of the USA Youth United
We strive to maintain accurate records. Please report any changes to development@ymcautah.org
"Thank you so much for making this opportunity possible for my child. You have made a big difference in our lives that will last a lifetime." — YMCA of Northern Utah Family
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* Denotes Board of Directors ‖ ** Denotes Elevating Youth Campaign Cabinet
Richard West Chief Executive Officer
Katie Allred Director of Major Gifts
development@ymcautah.org ymcautah.org (801) 466-6299
Headquarters Office 675 East 2100 South, Suite 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84106 Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation YMCA Community Family Center 575 Lockwood Drive Ogden, UT 84404 YMCA Community Family Center - Taylorsville 4223 South Atherton Drive Taylorsville, UT 84123