The YMCA celebrated another year of achievement at its annual meeting Tuesday, with a day of fun and recognition at Camp Marvin Hillyard.

Not only were board members and volunteers in attendance, but also their children, who enjoyed activities, food and a tour of the camp before the meeting. Camp Marvin Hillyard is one of the YMCA’s three branches in St. Joseph, including Downtown and Cameron.

“Every year this is a big event,” explained Crystal Neill, YMCA finance assistant. “We recognize our volunteers and show how much we appreciate them. It’s a great family atmosphere.”

The keynote speaker for the evening was Frederick Hauser, a YMCA of the USA vice president who oversees small-to-mid-size YMCAs, including the YMCA of St. Joseph. Mr. Hauser moved from Wisconsin in 1980 and was the local YMCA executive director between 1983 and 1988.

“He calls St. Joe his home, and this is a great opportunity for him to reunite with friends he made over the years,” said Mark Cartledge, executive director and CEO. “He’s just a wonderful person.”

Mr. Hauser’s words reflected the theme of the evening, “Celebrating the Past as we Prepare for the Future,” praising local volunteers and leaders and encouraging plans for future campus expansion, despite economic times.

In 2008, the YMCA provided more than $1 million in financial assistance and program discounts through its Missions Partners Program, including $165,000 that the organization raised for financial assistance.

“With the economy the way it is, we’re just staying true to our mission,” Mr. Cartledge said.

The local YMCA has about 400 youth and adult volunteers, serving 4,000 members and more than 18,000 participants each year. The YMCA celebrated 126 years of service this year.

“These are folks we look forward to celebrating for what they’ve done for the St. Joe community,” Mr. Cartledge said.

Carla Peniston, a Volunteer of the Year Award recipient, could not be more grateful.

“You get from the community, and it’s refreshing, rewarding to give back,” she explained. “That’s part of the American spirit, the legacy of teaching and giving to one another, and the fun of it all.”

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AWARDS GIVEN OUT TUESDAY EVENING

Awards given out Tuesday evening

YMCA Lifetime Achievement Awards: Steve Culver, Barbara LaBass, Margaret Salanski and Rod Fletcher

Volunteer of the Year Awards: Carla Peniston and David Eggleston

Service to Youth Awards: Michael and Donna Moseman

Helping Hand Award: Madison Holmes

Outstanding Achievement Award: Hillyard Industries Inc.