AUBURN — The Auburn/Lewiston YMCA held its annual meeting at Martindale Country Club on Oct. 18.

Board President Thomas J. Anthoine III welcomed the more than 100 community members who attended the event and thanked more than 600 volunteers and staff for their contributions to the success of the YMCA in the 2011-12 year. Anthoine unveiled a video demonstrating the YMCA’s impact and sense of community.

Among the statistical highlights summarized for the year, the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA provided $58,122 in financial assistance to 687 youth and families; doubled the Annual Giving Campaign to raise $64,208; and grew membership by 25 percent, now serving more than 2,500 community members. In April, the YMCA adopted the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, training all staff as leaders in the community on the crusade to keep youth safe. The Auburn-Lewiston YMCA furthered preparations for growth through the purchase of 93 acres of land in Auburn as a future expansion site. Building and strategic plans continue to move forward to enhance the Y’s ability to serve the community.

Mark Anthoine Sr., vice president of the board of directors, presented long-time board member and community supporter Richard Kendall with the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA’s Distinguished Service Award for demonstrating leadership skills, commitment, dedication and service to the community. Dick has served on the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA board of directors since 1991 and has held the role of Auburn-Lewiston YMCA board president twice and volunteers in many capacities including fundraising, strategic planning and board development committee.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of three people who saved a gentleman’s life back in July. YMCA fitness instructor Christina Cifelli and two YMCA members, Michelle “Mickey” Gogan and Jennifer Cyr, performed CPR and administered the AED twice to revive the man as first responders from the Auburn Fire Department arrived. The three were lauded as heroes. While they modestly shunned the spotlight, they shared satisfaction with the successful outcome.

Staff Service Awards were also given to employees who have reached milestones in service to the Y. Jim Lawlor presented the awards. Lawlor held the role of executive director for 30 years until 2010 when Brian DuBois assumed the position. Lawlor recognized Mary Murphy, human resource and membership director, and Tish Caldwell, lead group exercise instructor, each for their 25 years of service. DuBois also honored Pauline Bourgoin, aquatics instructor, for her work teaching area children swimming and water safety over the past 62 years. Bourgoin has been a member of the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA since 1947.

Other YMCA staff recognized include Marcie Hird for 20 years of service; Kevin Bellefleur, Katy Hunter, David Murphy, Nicole Oberlander and Carolyn Treadwell for 15-19 years of YMCA service; Bridget Culleton, Chris Davis, Bonnie Downs, Joyce Duchette, Holly Gurney, Kate Hiss, Tom Manduca, Chris Shea, Sara Thistle and Louise Tirabassi for 10-14 years of YMCA service; and Victoria Boehlert, Misty Edgecomb, LuAnn Frenette, Cindy Hathorne, Beth Heath, Jessica Houle, Rebecca McAllister, Pam Reynolds and Heather Small for 5-9 years of YMCA service.

“The YMCA took significant steps this year toward fulfilling our plans that will result in improved services to our Auburn-Lewiston community,” DuBois said. “It takes strong effort from extraordinary people to impact the community the way the YMCA does. We are blessed with more than our fair share of extraordinary people and it shows on a daily basis. People like Mr. Kendall, Mary, Tish and Pauline make it happen through their hard work, relationships and love of the community.”

For more information, contact Kristin Melville, development director, or Brian DuBois, executive director, at 795-4095, kmelville@alymca.org or bdubois@alymca.org respectively.

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