A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 16, 2005 AS "YMCA DAY AT THE SENATE".

     WHEREAS, for over nine decades, the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs has brought a special dimension to community life; and

     WHEREAS, over eight thousand families benefit directly each year from the YMCA's extensive programming for all ages and interest groups, from toddler activities to teen programs to fitness and wellness opportunities for senior citizens; and

     WHEREAS, over thirty-three thousand youth benefit each year from programs such as YMCA after-school care, childcare, YMCA basketball, YMCA volleyball, character counts, youth and government, yes corps, counselor-in-training, YMCA summer camp, teen programs, camp shaver and many other fine programs; and

     WHEREAS, over one thousand individuals volunteer at the YMCA each year, making the YMCA one of the largest led and driven organizations in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the YMCA is governed by a local volunteer board of directors who: give generously of their time, money and effort in order that the state's residents may grow as responsible members of their families and communities; develop self-confidence and self-respect, as well as an awareness of the rights and worth of every individual; appreciate that physical and mental health are divine gifts that should be maintained through physical fitness and spiritual growth; and develop and use their capacities for leadership; and

     WHEREAS, the YMCA's ability to foster these goals depends wholly upon continued community support, partially through the united way fund, but also through the YMCA's memberships and program support, and through expansion, such as the new youth and family gymnasium in Los Alamos and the renovation of two YMCA branches, as well as a proposed new west side branch YMCA in Albuquerque;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 16, 2005 be declared "YMCA Day at the Senate" in recognition of the important role that the YMCA plays in providing community programs throughout central and northern New Mexico.