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Parkinson’s Disease has taken some things from Wood River Community YMCA member Dick Hare, but it hasn’t taken Dick’s sense of humor, his compassion for others, or his love of the Y. Dick and his wife Patty have been Y supporters for years. In fact, Dick was one of the first donors to this Y. When Dick was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and needed help, he turned to the Y he’d once helped to make possible.
“Since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the Y’s ‘Delay the Disease’ class has been there for me. The Y is a lifesaver. So many good people do their jobs well at the Y.”
Classes for senior citizens, especially those like Dick, support people who can no longer be the active athlete they once were. While Blaine County has continued to attract retirees and its senior population has grown to over 33%, it is vital that our seniors maintain a strong sense of community even as their activities change.
Dick and Patty are proud to have contributed to critical social interventions through the Y, including summer education, after school care, and youth drowning prevention. Now that Dick is no longer able to live the active outdoor lifestyle he once did, the Y uses evidence-based programming to help keep him healthy, engaged, and active. “Going to the Y makes me feel good,” says Dick. “I see people I know and enjoy being with them in my class. We are all regulars and have become friends. It’s a real value. It’s not just a place to drop off your children. It’s a place that feels like family. My friends in the class are part of my life, and we meet with them often. The Y is community.”
When Dick originally discovered the Wood River Valley, he took advantage of all the outdoor activities available, including mountain biking, hiking, running, fly fishing and golf. Nordic skiing was Dick’s favorite sport and he competed in the Boulder Mountain Tour eight times.
Despite Dick’s disability, he continues to volunteer for the Y when he is able, and he gives in support of services and financial assistance for others. He loves to mingle among the younger and older alike at the Y and considers it an honor to be with a community of caring and engaged people.
Your financial contribution gives the Y permission to lead. Please join your friends in donating to the Y.
Sincerely,
Cindy Mascheroni, Board Chair
Jason Shearer, CEO
“The Y is a leader in addressing critical community needs surrounding youth education, chronic disease, care for seniors, community health. This year we’re doing more than ever to support our community, and we need your help!”
Jason Shearer, CEO
Please consider giving a gift to the Wood River Community YMCA. Your gift will positively impact a child and their family.
Thank you for your interest in supporting the Wood River Community YMCA’s cause. When you give to the Y, you are funding life-changing programs that help thousands of children, adults, and families in the Wood River Valley learn, grow, and thrive. The Y is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and registered with the IRS Tax ID #82-0481436.
Your Giving Options:
- Make your gift online. Visit our secure online giving site.
- Make your gift by phone. To make your gift, pledge, or payment, call 208 928 6702.
- Make your gift by mail. Mail your check to (please include your contact information):
Wood River Community YMCA, PO Box 6801, Ketchum, ID 83340
