Bequests

I grew up in a military family and moved around to different parts of the country frequently, says Kim Briggs, YMCA Chief Volunteer Officer. The military bases we lived on had their own facilities for health and wellness, so I don't have the typical "learned to swim" or "played basketball" Y-story. My husband, Dennis, grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and did not have an early age Y experience either. Our Y experience began much later in life." With busy careers and social lives and commitments for staying healthy, Kim and Dennis joined their local YMCA branch for cardio and weight workouts. "We decided on the YMCA because of the welcoming environment and because it didn't feel like your typical "gym". Instead, it was a place where people with like interests could belong in community. Dennis and I would typically go for our cardio workouts several mornings a week and weight workouts two nights a week. Every time we entered the YMCA branch, we were most impressed with all of the activities going on - there was something for every age, ability, and interest," she adds.

At some point along the way, Kim mentioned her pleasure of attending the YMCA to a friend who happened to be on the YMCA of the Suncoast Board of Directors at the time. He introduced her to the Board and soon she was accepted as a new volunteer member, and she has been involved ever since. Over the years, she has served on the Finance Committee, Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Committee, Endowment Committee, Philanthropy Committee as well as various adhoc roles. Kim says, "Through my involvement on the Board, Dennis has also become passionately involved with supporting the mission of the YMCA as well. Truth be told, he was the one who was the first to suggest that we update our estate plan to include the YMCA of the Suncoast in our end of life wishes."

"We are most excited to be involved with the Y because of their commitment to make our community a better place. If there is a need to fill, a project to get done, or a population to serve, the YMCA is willing to look into it and consider what they can do to be a part of the solution. We enjoy supporting the Y because it is an organization doing so much for so many. And they do it by honoring their mission "to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all."

Kim and Dennis also use Y facilities when they travel. They like knowing that they have a "home" even when they are away. "When I was recently out of town during the holidays and visited a Y in Omaha, Nebraska, one of the front desk staff recognized me from six months earlier in the summer and remembered that I was from Florida. It was a nice personal touch," says Kim. "The YMCA has made an impact on our lives in many ways. By being involved on the Board and on various committees, I feel like I am making a difference in the community. There are so many social and community challenges, and we typically only hear about the bad things that are going on - but by being involved in the YMCA of the Suncoast, it is refreshing and rewarding to see the all the good that is happening through their programming and community endeavors," she adds.