Awards | Annual Report 2023
Everett Birdsong
Each year, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads recognizes a volunteer who has made an outstanding and lasting impact on our community through their service to the Y, and inducts that volunteer into the Order of the Red Triangle—our highest honor. For 2023 we presented that award to Everett Birdsong, who has served as a YMCA volunteer for over nine years. We are honored and so grateful that Everett Birdsong has given freely of his time and talents to help make our YMCA and our community strong.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS
In 2023, our volunteers helped out at blood drives, organized food pantries, gathered gifts and school supplies for local kids, coached sports, and more. Whether you’re a coach, board member, or caring member of the community, our honored recipients of the 2023 Volunteer Service Awards are celebrated tonight for being the hearts and souls of the Y. We hope that this recognition of leadership and selflessness will inspire others to become changemakers, realizing that one person can truly make a powerful difference.
Chip Lewin
Albemarle Family YMCA
For his driving force in the community, elevating volunteerism and philanthropy by connecting people and abilities.
Tara Powell
Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA
For her unwavering commitment and passion for the Y's mission.
Sherry Kynaston
Currituck Family YMCA
For her dedication to fighting hunger through Currituck's mobile food pantry and commitment to connecting through compassion to everyone she meets.
Chris Bentley
Eastern Shore Family YMCA
For his unwavering support of the competitive swim program, always ready with a smile and enthusiasm for everyone he meets.
Terri Dickens
Effingham Street Family YMCA
For her dedication and support to our community pantry, the ambiance and feel of the welcome center, and her ongoing support of our needs every week.
John Walker
First Tee — Hampton Roads
For being a jack-of-all-trades volunteer for First Tee for over 3 years. His warm, familiar face in the First Tee Proshop, greeting and helping members with a smile and a sense of humor.
Kelly Guzman
Great Bridge/Hickory Family YMCA
For leading the Togetherhood Team for 2023 and taking it to new levels. Doubling the leadership team, expanding the number of projects, and presenting at sister YMCAs on how to grow Togetherhood.
Erica Perrin
Greenbrier Family YMCA
For consistently surpassing expectations in her commitment to community service. Going above and beyond with enthusiasm and initiative organizing events, assisting staff, or taking on additional tasks without hesitation.
Eugene White
Greenbrier North YMCA
For being a compassionate and empathetic volunteer, prioritizes the well-being of others. Dedicating time and effort to ensuring individuals feel supported and valued, whether by offering a listening ear, providing comfort, or organizing activities like basketball.
Craig Allen
Hilltop Family YMCA
For being a faithful steward of the Hilltop Annual Campaign for over a decade. Each year he continues to go above and beyond to ensure Hilltop is well known in the community and share the YMCA's mission.
Tori Averett
Indian River Family YMCA
For consistently assisting the center with various tasks, from setting up coffee during busy periods to tending to lobby plants. She goes out of her way to ensure individuals are taken care of.
Ken Ward
James L. Camp Jr. Family YMCA
For always assisting our aquatic department with special projects, helps keep our facility clean and overall helps JLC in any way he can.
Ken Niederberger
Mt. Trashmore Family YMCA
For being a strong, dedicated leader. He leads by example and is an avid supporter of Mt. Trashmore's programs and activities.
Dr. David Dalessio
Northampton County YMCA
For his unwavering support before the doors even opened. He is the embodiment of a servant leader and has been a true friend to the YMCA.
Steven Pitler
Outer Banks Family YMCA
Steven is passionate about aquatics and is an avid supporter of our Y, tirelessly helping provide quality swim meet experiences and encouraging the swimmers, volunteers, and staff during meets.
Adrian Balderama
Princess Anne Family YMCA
For volunteering in all sports seasons, Adrian has donated over 120 hours of his time. Our sports seasons owe much of their success to his hard work and coaching.
Julie Irby
Suffolk Family YMCA
For volunteering her time in the YMCA of South Hampton Roads Safety Around Water program. Ensuring that the life-saving skills of swim lessons are provided.
Donna Pillatsch
Taylor Bend Family YMCA
Donna raised her hand to help whenever assistance was needed. In 2023, Donna led the Community Food Pantry. She also cultivated a dedicated group of volunteers who supported her in making it happen.
Missy Griffin
YMCA at JT's Camp Grom
For bringing an unwavering pillar of support for JT's Camp Grom through Virginia Gentlemen from its inception. Her ongoing role on the board and leadership within the community are truly commendable and do not go unnoticed.
Dr. Justin John
YMCA Camp Silver Beach
For serving camp and our youth by not only providing expert medical care as a volunteer but also inspiring others to get involved with camp, recruiting new volunteers and enthusiastically participating in fundraising.
Marylynn Morales
YMCA of Portsmouth
For providing countless hours for committee meetings and interviews so we could continue to grow and enhance our board.
Warren Taylor
YMCA of South Boston/Halifax County
For his exceptional dedication which has ignited a transformative spirit within our board, fostering a deep commitment to the mission of the Y. His passion and leadership have propelled our volunteer service to new heights.
Bill Meyer
YMCA Family Center on Granby
For consistently goes above and beyond in his commitment to community service. His heart is full of compassion and an unwavering sense of love for sports, Bill exceeds the expectations of a volunteer.
ALLIE BROUWERE
Retiring Board Members
We're so thankful for and want to recognize Bill Stulb, Cameron Robinett, Jennifer Stevens, Dudley Ware, and Curtis Wrenn (deceased) for their 59 collective years of volunteer service to our community.