As an Advisory Board Member of the Parker Hannifin Downtown YMCA, I understand the importance of giving back to the community. The YMCA has been very important in my life, especially as a teen. When there were hundreds of things that I could have gotten into after school, fortunately there was a YMCA right across the street from my school. As the only child at home, the YMCA provided a safe place for me until my mother got home from work. I made friends, learned sportsmanship, teamwork and built confidence. More importantly, I learned the core values of the YMCA, caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Those values guide me to this day. In addition to health and wellness, the Y provides critical programs and services to more than 230,000 people every year. With the help of generous donors, we teach youth safety around water, provide transitional housing for homeless adults and those recovering from addiction, distribute healthy meals to school-age youth, and offer childcare in over 15 locations. Donations to our Annual Campaign ensure everyone has a chance to succeed and belong at the Y. So, please join me in supporting the Parker Hannifin Downtown YMCA as we provide more than just a gym!