The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry welcomed members and guests to their annual meeting Feb. 20, which recognized volunteers, donors and staff who helped advance the Y’s cause to strengthen the foundation of our community.

The meeting was presided over by in-coming YMCA Board Chair, Bennett Schiller, and Y CEO, Michael Bostwick. Schiller has served on the YMCA Board in various capacities including Treasurer and Vice-Chairman for five years.

During the annual meeting the Y welcomed three new board members: City of Beaufort Human Resources Assistant Shantell Miller; retired businessman Larry Schaefer; and Port Royal Town Councilman and lawyer,
Kevin Phillips.

During the program, four volunteer/organizations received special recognition for their service to the Y, and Y staff member, Karen Prince, was presented with the Employee of the Year award. Prince has been with the Y for 17 years working in the YMCA childcare department.

Jennifer Tuckwiller received the 2019 Robert V. Wardle Service to Youth Award. This award is given in honor of Robert V. Wardle, whose donations were instrumental in the founding and continued operation of the Wardle Family YMCA. Tuckwiller is the past YMCA Board chair and a member of the Beaufort Beach Ball Fundraiser and Auction Committee, as well as a volunteer and sponsor of the annual Beaufort River Swim and BYAC Swim Team.

Carolina Sportscare and Physical Therapy was named Community Partner of the Year, awarded to the Y partner who exemplifies a strong commitment in strengthening our community; Community Bible Church was named Volunteer of the Year in recognition of demonstrating exceptional dedication to YMCA values by giving of time and talent; and Carmen Meyer was recognized as Active Older Adult of the Year for demonstrating a love of life by being active and being a model for healthy living that has no age limit.

The Y also celebrated the positive impact made through Y programs and services; welcoming 2,184 new members in 2019, that overall expands the Y reach to more than 12,000 children, families and adults through YMCA sports, summer camps, childcare, BYAC swim team, wellness programs, and swimming lessons. The Y’s Annual Scholarship Campaign provided financial assistance totaling $345,147 for YMCA programs and services.

Those in attendance were also treated to two powerful and personal Y stories; one by long-time Y supporter Brenda Black and one from Y Preschool parent Doshie Sample.

Overall, members visited the Y 121,228 times throughout 2019.


<em>Above: Jennifer Tuckwiller receives 2019 Robert V. Wardle Service to Youth Award, with Mike Bostwick, YMCA CEO</em>