The Woodlands Family YMCA Announces Champion of Change Award Winners

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Woodlands Family YMCA is proud to announce the 1st Annual YMCA Champion for Change Winners. This award celebrates individuals and organizations who are more than donors—they are leaders and catalysts for transformative impact for the YMCA. Champions for Change are architects of positive change, dedicated to fostering a brighter future for everyone in our community. Through their generosity and leadership, these Champions drive impactful YMCA initiatives that go far beyond our walls. The 2024 winners include 4 individuals and 2 organizations.

**Barry Blanton: A native of Montgomery County, Barry’s Y story began at the Conroe YMCA as a young staff member and later as a board member and chair. Relocating to South Montgomery County area, Barry served on the Board of The Woodlands Family YMCA in the 90’s and as the Board Chair in 1995. Under his leadership, the last major expansion of the Shadowbend Y began and the dream of building a 2nd YMCA became a reality. An architect of Positive Change.

**Bruce Bramlett: Bruce’s commitment to the YMCA and the community has had twice the impact as he has served on the Board and Board Chair in multiple terms, starting in 2011 and returning in 2019. Known as the “Story Teller”, Bruce will never turn down an opportunity to share the Y story and the impact the Y has on kids and families. A Champion for Change.

**Sharon Durio: Sharon and her family have been active members of the YMCA for more than 35 years. She is the longest serving Board Member in the history of this Y with more than 25 years of service. A true Campion for Change with a heart of service and passion to help others succeed.

**Jim O’Connor: Jim’s service to the Y began in 2016 as he joined the Y Board and later served as Board Chair, 2020-2021. Jim and his family never hesitate to extend a helping hand to ensure everyone has the opportunity to flourish and reach their fullest potential.

**Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center: Memorial Hermann The Woodlands has been a generous collaborative community partner with The Woodlands Family YMCA for more than 25 years. Their partnership includes supporting and participating in all the Annual YMCA Community Events over the last 3 decades: YMCA Run Thru the Woods, YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge, YMCA Dancing with The Woodlands Stars, Halloween at the Y and YMCA Senior Open House/Vendor Fair, and having a representative on the YMCA Board. Our missions are aligned to ensure everyone has access to services and programs to help them grow stronger in spirit, mind and body. A Champion of Change, fostering a brighter future for all in the community.

**REPSOL: Repsol’s Headquarters opened in The Woodlands in 2015 and immediately they immersed and connected with the community to foster change and a brighter future. Repsol assumed the Presenting Sponsorship for the very popular Annual YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge. Through their support the event has grown and thrived and recently celebrated the 25th Anniversary Rowing for a CAUSE. Their support goes well beyond the popular Dragon Boat event, which attracts Repsol team members from all over the globe. From their website, “We believe that the communities where we live and operate should benefit from our presence, working to create shared value and build alliances together”.

These 4 individuals and 2 community partners exemplify the YMCA’s impact on the community. The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community. Though the world may be unpredictable, one thing remains certain - the Y is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, secure and connected children, families and communities.

For more information on The Woodlands Family YMCA, visit ymcahouston.org or connect with Blake Kelly, YMCA Community Development Director, 281-367-9622

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