Princeton YMCA recognizes volunteers at centennial celebration

WEST WINDSOR -- More than 200 guests joined in the Princeton Family YMCA's Centennial Celebration Sept. 22 at the Hyatt Regency Princeton in honor of the organization's 100 years of service to the region.

Presented by the Executive Club, an auxiliary group that supports the Princeton Family YMCA, the evening's program included the presentation of the inaugural Centennial Award to four individuals who have contributed significantly to the Princeton community, as well as to the YMCA. The honorees were William F. King III of Skillman, and Princeton residents A.C. Reeves Hicks, Millard M. Riggs Jr. and John P. Schmidt, all of whom are former chairmen of the Princeton Family YMCA's board of directors.

The evening also featured a videotaped greeting from honorary chairman Rep. Rush Holt, a 15-minute video about the history of the YMCA in Princeton that featured interviews of local residents, and the announcement of giving circles in memory of past volunteers.

The awards presentation was conducted entirely by young people involved with YMCA programs. The teens served as the program's moderators and presented the awards. Before the event, each presenter interviewed his or her honoree and learned about his work, passions, and accomplishments that have shaped his character. The presenters were Tyler Blackburn, 14, of South Brunswick; Brian Leung, 18, of West Windsor; and 14-year-olds Daniela Momo and Nicholas Banks, both of Princeton. The emcees were Alexandra "Alex" Cohen, 12, and Katherine "Katie" Vasquez, 10, both of Princeton. Tianna Holliday, 11, of Princeton, a member of the youth fellowship at the First Baptist Church, wrote and delivered the evening's invocation.

The event raised more than $85,000 in support of the YMCA's efforts to provide enriching experiences for more than 11,000 area residents each year through a wide range of activities and programs.