Xenia Volunteer of the Year Award Presented To Local Supporter
For Immediate Release
[Dayton, OH 3/29/13] – The YMCA of Greater Dayton is pleased to recognize Fran Richardson as the Xenia YMCA volunteer of the year.
When asked how long they have been at the Y, Fran and her husband John replied close to 20 years. Fran, at 83 years old, teaches the low impact water aerobics and has for years. Fran and John participate in the Senior Showcase and we are lucky to have them at the Xenia Y! In their own words, here is a brief biography –
John and Fran began their journey together the last week of June in 1944 – John left for the Navy that September while Fran started her sophomore year of high school. Married in 1946, we celebrate our 65th wedding anniversary this June! We had two children and after becoming Christians in 1958, became very involved with the church. John was always very active and added coaching and bowling to his activities while always exercising as a part of his lifestyle. Fran tried! When John retired, he bowled and played softball as long as possible. We did a lot of walking together until the pavement was too much on our joints. We decided to learn square dancing and then added line and round dancing. We still love this, but we decided maybe we needed more exercise. That’s when we came to the YMCA.
John has survived a heart attack, actually being brought back to life with paddles and Fran has survived breast cancer. God has been so good to us. They are 86 and 83 years old and have a lot of life to still live. With the Y membership, we’re trying to stay active, eat properly, and serve God and enjoy our family.
Thank you Fran – you are an example to so many of us!
The award was presented during the YMCA's 142nd Annual Meeting at the David H. Ponitz Center at Sinclair in Dayton on March 14th. The event raised over $17,500 for the YMCA's Annual Strong Kids Campaign and consisted of a silent auction, dinner and a program where volunteers and staff were recognized for their contributions to the success of the YMCA of Greater Dayton.
Thank you again to Fran Richardson. Her dedication to the Y makes our community a better place.
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About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The YMCA of Greater Dayton was established in 1870 and now offers eleven locations throughout the Miami Valley.