Local News - December 2003

YMCA recognizes top volunteer

Boyd honored with annual award

bY SARAH GRANO, Staff Writer

————————————

The Lincoln Family YMCA depends heavily on the work of its more than 100 volunteers and paid special tribute to one of them on Wednesday.

Diane Boyd was named recipient of the 2003 George Williams Volunteer of the Year Award.

Boyd gives of her time and money, and she also likes to tell people about the benefits of the YMCA, said Ron Johnston, executive director of the YMCA.

“She’s been with us since the very beginning,” Johnston said.

“I think Diane is really in tune with the Christian side of the YMCA, and she’s really quick to point out that it’s not just a regular old gym.”

She didn’t see herself as any different from the strong corps of helpers at the Y.

“I’m just one of many strong volunteers,” said Boyd. “I was touched to be honored.”

Boyd had come to the board meeting Wednesday morning in order to do a mission moment, in which she talked about charity and God.

She was surprised to find out that the real reason she was invited was to be honored for her service at the YMCA.

“I was so red in the face. I cannot believe it,” Boyd said.

She had tried to get out of doing the mission minutes for the meeting because she had to baby-sit one of her four grandsons, but the board members would not allow it.

“As you’ve noticed she makes time for the Y,” said Bo King, chairman of the board, before he presented Boyd with her award. “Our Y’s in good hands with volunteers like Diane Boyd.”

Boyd has worked with the YMCA since it first opened in Lincoln County. For the first three years she participated as a member of the board.

For the past two years, she works as chairman of the YMCA’s outreach program, which raises money for memberships and special programs for those who cannot afford the regular fee.

Boyd believes that the YMCA is a good place to share with people the love of God. Boyd and other volunteers file, raise money, clean up, set up and work at events. The work helps the Y meet its mission.

The YMCA charges for memberships and programs only what it needs to stay open.

“We don’t budget for a profit,” Johnston said. “We budget to break even.”

Boyd will be honored at a formal lunch in Charlotte. A short biography of her life will be played, and the volunteer of the year will be presented with a crystal mantel piece.

—————

Staff Writer Sarah Grano can be reached at 704-735-3031 or sgrano@ltnews.com

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

Terms and Conditions