The YMCA of Greater Omaha (metroymca.org) is celebrating 160 years of strengthening communities through Y160, a yearlong celebration honoring the people, stories and connections that have shaped the Y since 1866.
As part of the celebration, the YMCA marked its birthday by giving back through Birthday For All, a charitable project that brought YMCA staff together to assemble more than 175 birthday cake kits for local food pantries across the five counties served by the YMCA in Nebraska and western Iowa. The kits included cake mix, frosting, a cake pan, soda and candles to help families create special birthday memories.
“Celebrating 160 years is really a celebration of the people who have made the YMCA what it is today,” said Rebecca Deterding, YMCA of Greater Omaha President & CEO. “While the Y has evolved since 1866, our commitment to bringing people together and strengthening our communities has remained. Y160 gives us a chance to honor our history, celebrate our impact today and look toward the future.”
Other Y160 initiatives include the 160 Faces of the Y social media campaign, highlighting 160 members, staff, volunteers and community members; 160 Impact Tours showcasing the Y’s work; and birthday celebrations at all 13 YMCA locations in October, including trivia, giveaways, festive décor and a free community week.
The Y160 celebration refl ects the YMCA’s 160-year legacy while looking ahead to the next generation of community impact. For more information, visit metroymca.org.