APRIL 2025

Hello, YMCA of the Foothills Family!

The Spring Season is officially here. It’s a time for rebirth, renewal, and moving forward. Keeping with that theme, the Y is here to encourage you to find joy in all things, big and small, during this season.

Spring also means the start of the baseball season, and if you know anything about me, you know I love baseball. My first core memories as a child were playing catch and taking groundballs with my Dad in the backyard, my first trip to Dodger Stadium with him, and being so excited for my first t-ball game with JWV Little League Cardinals in Glendale; I slept in my uniform the night before the game. This past March, I got to experience a “full circle” moment as a Dad, as Noah and I participated in the Crescenta Valley Little League Opening Night Ceremony representing the YMCA of the Foothills Dragons. This was an incredibly special moment for me as I had dreamt for a long time about having a child who I could share my love of baseball with. To be able to coach him, both in our backyard and on the field, is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I know my Dad was looking down from heaven with a smile on his face.

As we start the month of April at our Y, it is time to celebrate our three pillars of service: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our two major programs highlighted this month are the Annual Support Campaign and Healthy Kids Day.

On April 1st, our Y will be kicking off its 67th Annual Support Campaign to fund our mission advancement, community outreach, and scholarship program for the most under-resourced members of our service area. This year, we have a heightened call to action in support of our Y members who were impacted by the Eaton Fire. This program is the lifeblood of our charitable outreach, which provides pathways to access for all in need. If you would like to donate, volunteer, or both to this year’s Annual Support Campaign, please click here: 2025 Annual Campaign or contact Joanne Pingry at jpingry@ymcafoothills.org to get involved.

The YMCA of the USA has selected April each year to spotlight National Healthy Kids Month, and our Y will do the same as we put a special emphasis on engaging the youth and teens of our community to encourage and support their wellness. We will invite all youth, teens, and family members to join us for an open house, wellness-based activities, and fellowship at all three of our YMCA locations. We encourage all participants who attend to follow the Y on Instagram and Facebook and then use the hashtag #YMCAhealthykidsday #ymcaofthefoothills on your social media platforms before, during, or after you visit the Y.

I hope this April brings you and your family renewed hope, a fresh start, and improved health as we collectively move forward as a community.

Onward and Upward!

Vince Iuculano

Chief Executive Officer

YMCA of the Foothills