WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The community came together on the morning of May 30 at the Nir Family YMCA for the YMCA’s 11th Annual Breakfast for Community event.
The event gathers those who advocate for the YMCA to develop youth’s healthy living and social responsibility.
Wilmington native and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith was this year’s keynote speaker and discussed his journey, including swimming at the Wilmington YMCA, now the Nir Family YMCA.
“Go make an impact on someone’s life, daily,” Highsmith encouraged. “The YMCA instills powerful values—like commitment, humility, and selflessness—that stay with you for life. People may not remember what you do, but they will remember how you made them feel. The Y is shaping the next generation and shaping our future leaders.”
$209,000 was raised through the breakfast, which will go to scholarships for families and people to program and membership opportunities at rates adjusted to their incomes.
“Every dollar raised is a step toward a stronger, more connected community,” said Shannon Berg, Director of Development for the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina. “When we invest in people, especially our youth—we’re investing in the future of our entire region. Today’s support will echo for generations to come.”
Anyone who wants to further donate, visit the YMCA’s website here.
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