Because Every Child Deserves a Spotlight
Issue #6
DONOR NEWSLETTER
The YMCA of Northern Utah
YOUR GIFTS AT WORK
ymcautah.org | (801) 466 6299
May 2025
Odyssey elementary Davis School District
Eisenhower Jr. High Granite School District
Campers Stepping into the Spotlight at YMCA Camp Roger's New Amphitheater Donated by the Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation
Zakai used to cry at drop-off, overwhelmed by new faces and unfamiliar routines. But with patient guidance and encouragement, he now walks into class with confidence and curiosity. He builds block towers and races friends across the playground. He’s thriving — because someone believed in him. In Utah, only 3% of 4-year-olds are enrolled in state-funded preschool, compared to 35% nationally*. Because of you, Zakai didn’t just find a classroom—he found connection, confidence, and a place to belong. And there are many more like him.
MEET ARI
For more than two decades, the Lawrence T. and Janet T. Dee Foundation has supported the YMCA in building resiliency in children. This summer, their legacy takes a new form with the unveiling of an outdoor amphitheater at YMCA Camp Roger—a gathering place for stories, skits, performances, and reflection. It's the first experience campers will share when they arrive: wide open, welcoming, and full of possibility. A place that says, "you belong here." The Dee Foundation was established in 1971 to strengthen the communities of Northern Utah through support for healthcare, education, the arts, and youth development. While the foundation has supported the YMCA's annual programming for years, this recent capital investment in the camping program marks a deepened partnership built on shared values of access, belonging, and opportunity. The Dee Foundation has empowered children by funding scholarships for low-income families to attend our overnight camps—many of whom have never experienced camping, learning, and playing in the mountains. A week in the woods becomes more than a break from routine—it becomes a turning point. Our young campers begin to understand that confidence doesn't come from having more—it comes from being seen, supported, and offered a chance to grow in a safe space. The true measure of impact is seen in the children who return home more confident, resilient, and connected. This amphitheater is the first step in revitalizing a camp that has served youth across Northern Utah for over 75 years. The YMCA is looking for additional partners, donors, and friends to help us upgrade the rest of our beautiful YMCA Camp Roger. Naming and legacy gift opportunities are available. Additional partners will enhance the youth camp experience for years to come. If this is something you are interested in supporting, please contact Katie Allred, Major Gifts Director at kallred@ymcautah.org or call/text at (925) 586 8074. The YMCA extends its profound gratitude to the Lawrence T. and Janet T. Dee Foundation for their instrumental role in transforming Camp Roger's amphitheater and for their years of support.
At the YMCA of Northern Utah, we believe in nurturing the potential of every child, strengthening families, and building healthy communities. We are honored to recognize Intermountain Health as a valued donor whose longstanding commitment to whole- person care matches with our mission. Like the YMCA, Intermountain Health understands that meaningful health outcomes begin long before a doctor's visit—they are built through trust, education, and proactive support for families. With a shared vision rooted in empathy, equity, and access, Intermountain Health's support of our early childhood education programs is a powerful reflection of our committment to local Utah families. Together, we are supporting brighter futures and healthier generations—one child at a time.
Meet ZAKai
Founded in 1947 by Ernest and Eleanor Bamberger in memory of their only children, Ruth Eleanor and John Ernest, the foundation honors a legacy of love, service, and community care. Lifelong civic leaders and humanitarians, the Bambergers believed deeply in helping people reach their potential—especially children and youth. Today, their foundation supports education, crisis care, and protective services through grants to Utah-based organizations. Since 1996, the YMCA's partnership with the Ruth Eleanor Bamberger and John Ernest Bamberger Memorial Foundation has been building and continues to ensure strong futures for Utah’s kids.
*Source: CDC, 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
*Source: National Institute for Early Education Research, 2024
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Ari shows up to our YMCA Afterschool Program with kindness, creativity, and a smile that lifts everyone around her. She’s a leader, a listener, and a light in the room. Especially now, her story matters. 1 in 5 middle schoolers in the U.S. seriously considered suicide in 2021, and nearly half reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness*. At the YMCA, we do more than provide a safe place after school. We offer connection, confidence, and care at a time when it matters most. Your support helps kids like Ari keep shining.
Campaign DONOR update: Silent phase
"We love the YMCA’s focus on giving kids in Northern Utah opportunities to grow, gain confidence and have fun in a beautiful outdoor setting." — Tim Dee
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Pictured: David, Tim and Tom Dee
We strive to maintain accurate records. Please report any changes to development@ymcautah.org
CAMPAIGN CABINET
INDIVIDUALS Charles L. Archer Barry Bergquist Margaret Busse Tyrene Christopulos Lacey Cole-Rae Geoffrey Crockett Tyler & Sheree Godfrey Sharen Hauri Wilder Jackson Tony Kaye Jewel Lee Kenley Michael McMenomy Gary Millet Dennis J. & Joan Mills Michael Montgomery Rebecca Moore David E. & Shar Quinney Jessica T. Taylor Meghan Tuohig ORGANIZATIONS Ally Bank American Express Armstrong Family Foundation Bank of Utah Charles Schwab Cole Sport Comcast Comenity Capital Bank Community Foundation of Utah David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation Delta Air Lines 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 Gregory Mountain Products 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 JoAnne L. Shrontz Family Foundation Kennecott Utah Copper Charitable Foundation Klymit Kroger Co. Foundation Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation M & M Catering Marriner S. Eccles Foundation Masonic Foundation of Utah Ogden Musical Theater Park City Community Foundation Park City Sunrise Rotary Ralph Nye Charitable Foundation Richard K. and Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation Ruth Eleanor Bamberger and John Ernest Bamberger Foundation Sallie Mae Select Health Share Winter Foundation Snap Finance Foundation Sorenson Legacy Foundation Stephen G. and Susan E. Denkers Family Foundation Stewart Education Foundation The Boyer Company The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The Ligety Sharp Family Charitable Fund The Miner Foundation Troutman Pepper United Way of Northern Utah Utah Association of Financial Services Walmart Foundation WEX Bank YMCA of the USA Youth United
Chase Dreyfous, Chair YMCA of Northern Utah Brady Fosmark Bank of Utah Nick Gundersen Handshake Caitlin Hansen Mindless Labs Brenda Jensen Zions Bank Michael McMenomy CBRE Investment Management Kandace Williams Body By Design OC & Motivational Speaker
DONORS
Do you remember the days of your youth staring out windows as the snow fell outside and dreaming of playing in the mountains? Do you remember what it felt like the first time you pointed a pair of skis down the hill? For some Utah families, these are core memories of both challenge and the freedom that helped to shape them into resilient people. But even with world-class ski resorts only a few miles away, some Utah youth can still only dream of what it would feel like to fly over the snow. The YMCA of Northern Utah has partnered with the Share Winter Foundation to make dreams come true. The Share Winter Foundation is committed to multi-year support for lessons, lift tickets, and rentals. This support, paired with other donors, makes these transformative experiences possible. Thank you for helping us share the magic of winter with every child to teach lifelong skills.
Y I Ski and Share Winter Foundation: Building Confidence One Run at a Time
Andrea Barlow Chair MillerKnoll Jessica Taylor Vice Chair University of Utah Aaron Austad Treasurer Boyer Company John Davis Secretary Holland & Hart LLP Teri Cooper Early Warning Services LLC Jacqueline Mabatah Ballard Spahr LLP Dereck Jacobs Bank of Utah Mark Adams Ogden Regional Medical Center Amy Campos Bank of America Tony Kaye Pepper Center for Public Service Mike McMenomy CBRE Investment Management Jaymie Fung Bingham RET Ventures Diana Telfer Telfer Family Law & Mediation Nailah Blades Wylie Wylie & Co. LLC Eric White GSBS Architects
BOARD OF DIRECTORS