The Evergreen Times
February 1, 2019
A group of 67 students from Evergreen/East Valley Family YMCA after-school programs at Dove Hill and O.B. Whaley elementary schools were filled with holiday cheer last December after learning they would receive new shoes courtesy of Eric Thames, first baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers and New Balance.
The MLB star returned to the Y during his trip home for the holidays to answer student’s questions and assist with shoe distribution in the same room where he learned Taekwondo as a child.
Earlier in the year, Thames committed to a generous multiyear donation to support youth programs through the Y’s annual campaign. Each year, the campaign raises the critical funds needed to offer financial assistance to those in need. The campaign’s goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive regardless of their background or ability to pay. Thames’ investment will impact nearly 40 percent of the average number of fee- based program participants.
Thames experienced first-hand the importance of children having a safe place to belong and stay active outside of school hours as a student in East Valley Family YMCA’s after-school program at Valle Vista. At age five, Thames had his first experience in athletics as a participant in the Y’s basketball program. It was there that he learned the importance of teamwork and the value of diversity, all while embracing the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. He also participated in the summer day camp program where he was able to foster relationships while staying active. During his teenage years, Thames continued visiting the Y to work out, build strength and endurance.
“YMCA programs provide children with somewhere safe to develop skills that will carry them throughout their lives. Many of the skills and values that are important to me were cultivated there. Had others not donated their time and resources, I wouldn’t have had access to Y programs. That’s why I consider it important to pay it forward, help others realize their potential and pursue their dreams by giving back through the Y,” said Thames.
According to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness organization, 11.3 million children head to homes where they are unsupervised from 3 to 6 p.m. Through a well-rounded approach to youth development, the Y’s program offers activities in a caring and safe environment during those critical hours. Whether through sports, mentorship or academic support, the Y nurtures the potential of youth and teens throughout the school year.
In addition to program funding, Thames committed to a significant donation of shoes and apparel each year throughout the multiyear commitment thanks to his partnership with New Balance.
“Doing well, doing good and doing right is woven into our culture at New Balance. We are in a great position to be able to make an impact, and we want to embrace that opportunity. Through grants, global volunteerism, cooperative marketing, sponsorships, in-kind donations and our athlete’s involvement, New Balance aims to improve the health and well-being of children and families worldwide. Fueling the next generation’s passion for movement and the pursuit of lifelong health is one of three initiatives that bring our NB Gives Back mission to life. We are fortu- nate to partner with elite athletes who share this mission,” said New Balance vice president of sports marketing, Ray Hilvert.
For more information on how you can support East Valley Family YMCA in their effort to maximize impact in the area of youth development, please visit www.ymcasv.org/givingev.
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