03/06/2024
Golden Isles YMCA Foundation Receives and Matches $75,000 Gift from The Terry Thomas Foundation
Sea Island, GA (February 14, 2024) – The Golden Isles YMCA Foundation is thrilled to announce a generous $75,000 donation from the Terry Thomas Foundation. This significant contribution will directly fund the replacement of the outdoor pool liner at the Golden Isles YMCA, enriching the lives of countless individuals and families across the community. The Terry Thomas Foundation has now donated over $900,000 to the Golden Isles YMCA since its inception.
"We are deeply grateful for the Terry Thomas Foundation's unwavering commitment to strengthening our community through their support of the Golden Isles YMCA," said Stephen Moreno, IV - Chairman of the Golden Isles YMCA Foundation.
"This transformative contribution is being matched by the Golden Isles YMCA Foundation to help replace the liner of the 50-meter outdoor pool at the Golden Isles YMCA. This pool serves our local swim teams, state swim meets, Masters swim teams, and just about every child in the Golden Isles community through the Y’s Safety Around Water Program. This renovation project could not have been completed without the continued support of the Terry Thomas Foundation.”
“Terry Thomas was very instrumental in planning and setting up the Golden Isles YMCA and building it into what it is today. She provided significant gifts to the YMCA throughout her lifetime culminating in the naming of the facility in her honor. This one-of-a-kind family center makes a positive difference in the lives of our residents, serving individuals from infancy through their golden years. Faith, Family, Fun & Fitness are the cornerstones of the YMCA, and we’re proud to support the range of programs the YMCA provides” said Susan Goodhue, Executive Director of the Terry Thomas Foundation.
Susan serves alongside longtime Terry Thomas friends Dewey Benefield, Chairman of the Terry Thomas Foundation and Rees Sumerford, Secretary. All three also served as members of the Golden Isles YMCA Foundation in the past.
The Golden Isles YMCA Foundation relies on the generosity of donors like the Terry Thomas Foundation to fulfill its mission of supporting the YMCA's programs and capital improvement projects. This impactful grant will leave a lasting legacy on the lives of countless individuals and families, solidifying the YMCA's role as a cornerstone of the Golden Isles community.
The Golden Isles YMCA was originally a YWCA formed in September of 1924 and became a part of the YMCA in 2011. The YMCA offers a wide range of programs including childcare, pre-k, summer day camps, swim lessons, boxing classes, basketball leagues, holiday camps, personal training, fitness classes, swim teams, among many others.
About the Golden Isles YMCA Foundation:
The Golden Isles YMCA Foundation is a non-profit organization organized in 1992 dedicated to raising funds to support the Golden Isles YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. Through fundraising initiatives and community partnerships, the Foundation ensures everyone has access to the YMCA's vital programs and services regardless of their ability to pay. More information can be found at www.giymcafoundation.org.
About the Terry Thomas Foundation:
The Terry Thomas Foundation was established in 2004 by Julia Terrill “Terry” Thomas, a Sea Island resident and community philanthropist. Thomas was an active volunteer and community advocate for many local organizations and served the YMCA for many years along with Susan Goodhue. Their donations continue to make a tremendous impact on the Golden Isles YMCA, the Golden Isles YMCA Foundation, and many other community programs in the Golden Isles.
Pictured L to R:
Tyree Shelton – YMCA Executive Director
Mary Arocha – YMCA District Vice President
Susan Goodhue – Terry Thomas Foundation Executive Director
Stephen Moreno, IV – Golden Isles YMCA Foundation Chair
Daren Pietsch – Golden Isles YMCA Foundation Investments
Daniel Strowe – Golden Isles YMCA Foundation Vice-Chair
