I haven’t been with the Sioux YMCA for long, just over a year, but the impact of this amazing place will last well over a lifetime.

In my time here, I have seen community members with deep ties to the YMCA, who reminisced about their younger days here, who introduced me to their grandchildren and cousins and told us all stories of what the Sioux YMCA looked like before that window over there, or that room back there. At camp there was a time before showers and running water and even buildings!

I have seen kids eager and excited for the next field trip, event, or activity whether it is to the Corn Maze in Spearfish or Saturday Fun Club on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Their enthusiasm to sit for hours on the big bus, or go swimming at the Y over yonder, fills me with passion. We laugh everytime I answer the 'how much farther' with 'hours to go'.

In all of these interactions, I have heard a longing for the unknown, an appreciation for the gifts already shared and a passion to go forward with a solid group of friends on either side. As for me, I want to show them the world.

By making a small (or large) donation this Giving Tuesday, you will be able to be a part of these children's stories of adventure and help them experience amazing new things. Together we can achieve so much more.

Every gift makes a difference. Everyone has a role to play.

Please join me and give today.