Angel lost his job in the down-turned economy.  “One day turned to two; a week became a month and soon the money ran out faster than we thought,” he recalled.  “But we kept marching on.”  Determined to make life better for himself and his young family he went back to school.  But someone needed to care for his daughter.  So he turned to the Tampa Y’s Early Head Start Program. 

And 7 weeks from now on May 5, Angel will graduate from University of South Florida with a degree in Exercise Science.  And in the process earned the Outstanding Latino Educator Award.  “It is because of programs like the YMCA that makes this possible.” 

Angel shared his heart-warming story of success recently at the Y’s SunTrust Community Impact Dinner.  An annual celebration of real-life stories, the Community Impact Dinner also recognizes outstanding service to the Tampa Bay area.  This year’s event recognized Commissioner Sandy Murman who received the 2012 Community Impact Award for her service to children and families and former Tampa Y Governance Board Chair Bob Buesing who was honored with the 2012 Order of the Red Triangle Award for making lasting and valuable contributions to the Tampa Y.

Bill Barker, publisher of the Tampa Tribune, emceed the event and closed with these remarks: “The Y listens and responds to our community’s most critical social needs. The Tampa Y is in this community to change the odds. When you give to the Y, your gift has meaningful, enduring impact right here in our community…the Y provides a place for people to become more healthy, confident, connected and secure. It’s that easy.”

> Bob Buesing - Order of the Red Triangle Video

> Elaina Testimonial Video

> Angel Testimonial Video

> View Event Photos