ASHTABULA – The Ashtabula County Family YMCA presented three big awards at its annual meeting of the board of directors March 25 in the Blue and Gold Room at Kent State University at Ashtabula.
Three main awards were given out, along with several honoring staff members for their years of service.
“I want to thank everybody for coming tonight,” Eric Stinehelfer, CEO of the Ashtabula County Family YMCA, said prior to an invocation by Steve Sargent.
During the presentation of awards, Tameka Coleman and Amanda Papp, of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, accepted the Community Partner Award on behalf of the food bank from Mark Osburn – YMCA Board member.
Osburn noted that the Greater Cleveland Food Bank is a vital part of strengthening the community, working collaboratively to make sure that people have access to nutritious food and the resources they need to survive.
He recalled a past collaboration between the Y and the food bank.
“In 2024, the Ashtabula County YMCA proudly partnered with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to expand access to healthy meals for the youth in our Summer Fun Club,” he said. “Over the past two years, the YMCA has provided more than 5,800 free, nutritious meals to young people we serve, ensuring they have the fuel they need to learn, grow and succeed. This work is a part of a broader coordinated effort across Ashtabula County, supported by 29 active community partners who are helping address food insecurity in meaningful ways.”
He welcomed Coleman and Papp to the podium to accept the award.
“Thank you very much for your support and help in our community, we appreciate it,” he told them. They were applauded.
Angela Kendall, president and founder of The Kendall Foundation, accepted the Community Impact Award for The Kendall Foundation from Danyel Ryan – YMCA Board member.
“We are proud to recognize The Kendall Foundation as this year’s Community Impact Award recipient,” Ryan said. “Founded in 2020 by Angela Kendall, this women-led organization was built from the ground up with a powerful vision to create meaningful, inclusive and far-reaching support for our community. In just a few short years, The Kendall Foundation has raised more than $570,000 in funds that have reinvested directly back into the people and organizations that make our community strong.”
Ryan said the Foundation’s impact spans schools, families, and individuals as well as organizations like the YMCA.
“Their continued support of our youth programming has been especially significant,” she continued. “Because of their generosity, we are able to keep programs affordable, provide safe and reliable equipment and ensure that no child is ever sent away due to inability to pay. We are incredibly grateful for this mind-blowing partnership and for the lasting difference that The Kendall Foundation continues to make. Thank you for truly making a difference in our community.”
Angela Kendall said the award means a lot not just to her, but for everyone who shows up and gives back.
“We are very, very small,” she said, noting it’s just her and Alyssa Donato, the executive director of The Kendall Foundation, who have raised pretty much all the money. She recognized Donato for all she does at the Foundation as well as the YMCA, saying what it does for the community truly matters. “The Kendall Foundation is never about one person, it’s about the community.” She was proud of the impact they could make together.
In addition, Steve Wychock was presented the YMCA Volunteer of the Year award from Sam Torres – YMCA Board Member.
Torres said it’s a pleasure to recognize somebody who truly embodies the spirit and service of community.
“Volunteerism is the backbone of everything we do, from the early morning set-ups to the final moments of a long day,” he said, noting it takes dedicated individuals to make things run smoothly. “Tonight, we celebrate one of those individuals.”
He said Wychock has been an incredible force behind so many of the YMCA’s events, noting he is always there, always reliable, hardworking, and ready to set up when and wherever he is needed.
“He is the kind of person who doesn’t hesitate,” Torres continued. “If something needs to be done, Steve is already on it. If someone needs help, he’s the first to offer it.”
He noted that Wychock has a positive attitude and genuine commitment to making each event successful for every participant. Wychock’s consistency and heart he brings each time makes him stand out, he said. “His dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, it inspires everyone around him and sets a standard for what true volunteerism looks like.”
“I’d like to thank the YMCA for giving me this opportunity to do these events,” Wychock said.
He noted his long involvement with the YMCA, recalling that he started with the Y in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
“The YMCA has been here for a very long period of time in my life, and I enjoy what I do with you guys,” he said.
Executive Board appointments given the OK were: board chair, Tim Volpone; vice chair, Dale Cahill; treasurer, Clint Jackson; and secretary, Mark Osburn.
Five-year staff recognition went to: Katie Hembree, David Simpson, Lisa Rivers and April Bucci; 10-year, Gina Varchetto; 15-year, Donna Maukonen and Edward Best; and 25 years, Becky Varchetto.
