Los Alamos State Farm Agent Lou Santoro, second from left, and his wife Pat Santoro are honored with the 2024 Community Visionary Award for their generosity in donating $25,000 to the YMCA in support of its community programs. The Family YMCA’s CEO Chris Daniels, center right, and Board President Phil Taylor recently presented the award to the Santoros. Courtesy/YMCA
From left, New Mexico Consortium (NMC) Chief Operating Officer Irina Izvekova, NMC Chief Financial Officer Greg Dye and NMC Executive Director/CEO John Engen, accept the 2024 Community Visionary Award for their generosity in donating $25,000 to the YMCA in support of its community programs. The Family YMCA’s CEO Chris Daniels, and Board Past President Deb Huling recently presented the award. Courtesy/YMCA
YMCA News:
The Family YMCA’s CEO Chris Daniels, with support of board members, recently honored two major donors helping lead the way for their expanded 2024 Annual Fundraising Campaign. Both the New Mexico Consortium and State Farm’s Louis Santoro stepped up to a new level of support for the Y this year and were presented with special recognition plaques for their leadership in community support.
“I am proud to support an organization that has such an important impact in our community,” Santoro said, adding that this year represents 20 years of supporting The Family YMCA.
Due to increased demand for scholarships, The Family YMCA has raised its annual fundraising goal to $250,000 this year.
“We believe in our motto that nobody is turned away for the inability to pay,” Daniels said. “With the help of the community, we can make this possible and these donors have played a critical role in ensuring that.”
As the campaign enters its final months, The Family YMCA is asking for the community’s support to help meet this important goal. Every dollar raised ensures more children and families can benefit from the Y’s life-changing programs. You can be an essential part of helping families have access to programs and services who might not otherwise be able to do so.
An anonymous donor recently shared: “Growing up, my family was that family that couldn’t quite afford extra things. The one thing my parents did splurge on was a summer pass to swim at the YWCA. While you guys aren’t exactly the same organization, the things you guys do for our community are admirable. If my donation can help a family have a little fun and relieve some of the financial burden. Then it’s money well spent.”
“The Y has always been a place where community comes together, and these donations are a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we work together,” Daniels said. “We are confident that, with the support of our generous donors, we can meet our new fundraising goal and continue to expand our scholarship offerings.”
About The Y
The Y is a leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. With a wide range of programs, the Y serves individuals and families in need, ensuring that no one is turned away due to financial hardship.
