Senator Carolyn Comitta, Truist and Joe Tankle Receive Top Honors at YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s Breakfast of Champions
Annual Recognition Event Celebrates the Impact of Volunteers
(West Chester, PA) – Leaders, staff and volunteers from the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) joined in celebration on April 23 at Penn Oaks Golf Club for the Breakfast of Champions, YGBW’s biggest volunteer recognition event of the year.
“What starts as an act of service becomes a reflection of who we are,” shared Dr. Scott Heinerichs, Dean of the College of Health Sciences at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, who serves as Interim Board Chair for YGBW.
“Volunteerism typically starts when someone asks – which is how I began my volunteer journey at the Y,” he continued.“ The initial ask got me connected with the Y – but the mission of the organization and the passion of the staff and my fellow volunteers is what keeps me coming back to serve.”
At the event, YGBW celebrated the impact of all volunteers and bestowed honors onin the community last year, including State Senator Carolyn Comitta, Truist and Joe Tankle. 23 Branch Volunteers of the year were recognized for their impactful contributions to the community.
Distinguished Service Award | Joe Tankle
The YMCA’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes a dedicated volunteer and emphasizes the need for community service by all members of the community. Recipients of this award have set a standard of leadership that others follow.
“Joe Tankle is a steadfast advocate for the YMCA of Greater Brandywine,” says YGBW President and CEO, Bertram L. Lawson II, who presented the Distinguished Service Award to Tankle. “He gives his time generously – fostering relationships, opening doors to donors and advancing our philanthropic efforts. Joe’s guidance has been instrumental in supporting me in my role, strengthening our organization’s leadership and impact.”
Tankle shared that his first role at the Y, very aptly, was as a volunteer. He was taken by the mission and wound up having a 35-year career within the YMCA movement, holding various leadership roles, including serving as the President and CEO of the Upper Main Line YMCA.
“I feel fortunate to have found a meaningful career, serving YMCAs in this region for more than 35 years,” Tankle says. “I am proud to lend my time and experience to the team at YGBW to extend the important work they are doing in the community.”
Service to Youth Award | Senator Carolyn Comitta
The YMCA’s Service to Youth Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedication and effort have made a significant and positive difference in the lives of children in our community.
“As a State Senator – and a mother and grandmother – I believe we have a duty to leave behind a cleaner, safer and healthier world for our next generation,” shares Senator Comitta. “I firmly believe that we bring out the best in each other when we serve young people in our community.”
YGBW Chief Branch Operating Officer, Terri Edgar, presented the Service to Youth Award to Senator Comitta for her support of affordable childcare and dedication to STEM and Environmental education opportunities for local youth.
“Senator Comitta’s support of STEM education and career pathways and her work to expand access to quality childcare impacts our community in the best way possible,” says Edgar. “Whether advocating in Harrisburg, pursing grant opportunities or leading by example, families in Chester County can count on Senator Comitta.”
Community Partner Award | Truist
The YMCA Community Partner Award is given to an organization that has demonstrated a commitment to the Y’s mission and has strengthened the foundations of our community.
“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” explains Chad Leyden, Market President at Truist. “We are proud to support the work being done at the Y to strengthen the fabric of our community.”
As a leading non-profit in the county, YGBW relies on the support of Community Partners, sponsors and donors. In 2024, YGBW awarded $2.6 million in financial assistance to ensure all in the community have the opportunity to access vital services when needed.
“Truist has supported our treasury functions and financial applications – and generously contributed EITC funds,” says YGBW Chief Financial Officer, Rachel Firkser, who presented the Community Partner Award. “Their partnership supports the vital work being done at our branches today and into the future.”
Branch Volunteer of the Year Awards
23 individuals were recognized as Volunteers of the Year, representing eight branches. Honors were given across three categories at each branch: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Award recipients serve many roles in the community – youth sports coaches, membership greeters, theater volunteers and more.
Honorees include Eddie Jennings, Shannon Reynolds and Bob Reich from the Coatesville branch; Robyn Biehn, Joey Martinez, Llana Delevieleuse and Brian and Staci Zeller from the Jennersville branch; Jonna Pento, Nace Naumoski and Terry Thomas from the Kennett branch, Jeanne Czubaroff, Dawn McNeil and Matt Smith from the Lionville branch; Tara Murdock from the Octorara Program Center; Ben Green, Liz Ruff and Mike Nichols from the Oscar Lasko branch; Jonathan and Laura DeJong, Jen Fulton and Rajiv Gupta from the Upper Main Line branch; and Matt Fenn, Laura Sansalone and Larry Wheeler from the West Chester Area branch.
"The YMCA would not exist without volunteers,” concludes Lawson. “Folks are often surprised to learn that volunteers helped to establish the YMCA globally and locally. And the power of volunteerism persists to this day. We are extremely grateful for our 5,015 volunteers who give their time, talent and treasure to the Y – in support of the Chester County community.”
VIDEO: Small Actions. Big Impact. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWRHgn0s99c
About Volunteering at YGBW https://ymcagbw.org/give/volunteer