YMCA celebrates 161 years in Western New York at annual dinner at Statler City

Last night, YMCA Buffalo Niagara hosted its 161^st annual meeting in the Statler City Golden Ballroom. The annual event allows the Y to honor outstanding volunteers and youth that, in the past year, have helped the YMCA achieve its mission and help Western New Yorkers to learn, grow and thrive.

The prestigious Gold Key Award was presented to Jackie Otis, a long-time YMCA volunteer at the Ellicott-Masten Family YMCA. This award is given to an outstanding volunteer who has contributed many years of service and leadership to the association, and exemplifies the mission and values of the YMCA.

John Murray, outgoing president/CEO for YMCA Buffalo Niagara, also received the prestigious Gold Key Award for his 25 years of dedicated service to YMCA Buffalo Niagara, and 38 years with the YMCA organization.

Honored this evening was the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD with theRed Triangle Award, and the Stewart Partnership Award was presented to Independent Health. The Stewart Partnership Award is presented to an organization that goes above and beyond in support of YMCA programming initiatives.

Locally founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an inclusive association of people committed to a common effort to help individuals and families reach their fullest potential in terms of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA's focus on health and wellness is reflected in the variety of programs that it offers for all ages and abilities. Additionally, collaborations with insurance carriers such as Univera, Independent Health and BlueCross BlueShield provide the opportunity for those wanting to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle to do so at the YMCA.

A nonprofit organization, YMCA Buffalo Niagara serves more than 100,000 people annually through seven branches located throughout Western New York, YMCA Camp Weona, as well as at more than 40 community-based program sites.

This outreach would not be possible without the support of volunteers.

For more information, visit www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org.