With 2017 already in our rear-view mirror, we would like to take a moment to thank our past supporters for their endless generosity.

It might not surprise you to know that here at the Y, we spend a lot of time talking about our supporters! We talk about the impact you all make: our Turkey Trot runners on Thanksgiving morning, our members and program participants, those who help send a kid to camp each spring; our volunteers who give their time and talents to our charitable work. This support is instrumental to the communities and people we serve. Thank you.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank one special person in particular – Y Board Member and The Greater Annapolis Y in Arnold member, Dana Smith.

2017 marked the third year in a row that Dana participated as a peer-to-peer fundraiser in the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K, the Y in Central Maryland’s premier fundraising event. Held annually on Thanksgiving morning in seven Maryland locations, the 2017 event saw 14,611 runners raise more than $800,000! Funds raised by the Y Turkey Trot enable families and children living in poverty in Central Maryland to participate in Y programs which they would not otherwise be able to afford.

Since getting involved in the event in 2015, Dana has personally and enthusiastically raised over $31,000 to support the Y’s charitable cause. In 2017, Dana single-handedly secured 140 donations, raising $16,445 through peer-to-peer fundraising. This is the most significant peer-to-peer fundraising contribution that the Y in Central Maryland has ever seen!

When asked what motivates her to participate and fundraise each year, she shared with us: “I want to give back to the community… plus it’s A LOT of fun.”

Please join us in thanking Dana and our Title Sponsor LifeBridge Health along with all our sponsors, runners, donors, ambassadors, fundraisers, volunteers, community members and Y associates! You can check out an overview of the event here.