The YMCA of Central Kentucky held its annual celebration honoring its volunteers of the year on Thursday, April 19 at The Barrel House. The Red Triangle Award, the Y’s top recognition for a volunteer whose actions exemplify the Y triangle of spirit, mind and body, was presented to Al Isaac. Isaac, who is Director and President of NAI Isaac Commercial Properties, is in his second year as the chair of the Beaumont Centre Family YMCA’s Board of Managers. Along with his wife, Gail, Isaac has led the Beaumont Y’s fundraising efforts, which help ensure that Y membership and programs are available to all, regardless of ability to pay.
“Al Isaac has been an invaluable part of the Y,” said YMCA of Central Kentucky Interim CEO Tom Blackman. “Even with his busy schedule, he still finds time support the mission of the Y and that is demonstrated in his actions.”
The Y also awarded its Impact Award to Doug Gray. The Impact Award is given to a Y full-time staff member who exemplifies great service to the organization. Gray, who is the property manager at the High Street YMCA, took mission trips to Vietnam in 2011 and again earlier this year, marking his first return to the country after serving the war. In addition to his work at the Y, Gray also serves as a volunteer Red Cross emergency worker, is an ordained minister and is a former employee and long-time supporter of the Salvation Army.
The Y’s Rob Taylor Spirit Award, which is presented to a part-time staff member who exemplifies excellent service, was awarded to Carrie Stewart, a trainer and group exercise instructor at the North Lexington Family YMCA. In the past year, Stewart has been particularly instrumental in the establishment and growth of the LIVESTRONG® at the Y program for cancer survivors.
The Teen Volunteer Award was given to Mikal Kinley. Just 14, Kinley volunteered every day last summer at the Beaumont Centre Family YMCA’s preschool camp, working with 4-6 year olds, playing games with them, swimming with them and serving as a great leader and role model.
The Y also presented the branch Volunteer of the Year awards to the following recipients for their dedicated service to the Y:
Beaumont Centre Family YMCA: Betsy Adler