YMCA recognizes its 'Agents of Wealth'

(Photos by Randy M. Cauthron) Becky LaBarre, executive director at the Spencer Family YMCA leads a group of "Agents of Wealth" for the local organization, on a special tour of the new Dvergsten Childcare Center on Thursday as part of the 23rd annual luncheon recognizing the agents. [Order this photo]

A Thursday noon gathering at the Spencer Family YMCA recognized its "Agents of Wealth" at the 23rd annual luncheon in their honor.

Susan Zulk, the YMCA Board president, welcomed the large group in attendance and thanked them for their continued support both in words and dollars.

Noting the importance of the YMCA in the community as an economic development tool, resource and more fundamentally as a place for families; Zulk stressed the facility as a wonderful winter destination to get kids from in front of televisions, calling it not just a safe environment for the area youth but a source of stimulation.

"It not only stretches their muscles, but stretches their minds," Zulk said.

In the past year, the YMCA served more than 4,000 people in Spencer and the surrounding communities without turning anyone away for inability to pay, providing scholarships when necessary to low income families. A total of 551 members were awarded to children, youth and families. These scholarships are funded by the $90,000 raised during the local YMCA's annual capitol campaign.

A total of 2,000 children and youth took part in over 60 different programs offered, and over 450 children were served through day care, after school care and preschool.

It was noted that several programs and opportunities are being extended to a growing number of seniors and disabled members.

Over the past year, the Spencer YMCA received the equivalent of $10,000 in volunteer hours were contributed.

(Photo by Randy M. Cauthron) Marilyn J. Hagberg, with Security National Bank in Sioux City, was the featured speaker at the Spencer Family YMCA Agents of Wealth luncheon, addressing: Philanthropy: The Best of Times, The Worst of Times. [Order this photo]

Marilyn J. Hagberg, with Security National Bank in Sioux City, was the featured speaker at the lunch, addressing: Philanthropy: The Best of Times, The Worst of Times.

Hagberg noted the extension of the charitable IRA rollover through the end of December 2009 for donors aged 70 1/2 or older; as well as the end to historic dollar value limitation on endowment spending as being among the best of times.

Under the worst of times heading, Hagberg noted the 990 form filing requirements which have expanded to smaller agencies; as well as the economy which could hurt some long term scheduled contributions from people who might feel the pinch.

She spoke of a "perfect storm" right now for agencies that rely on donor support with many major corporate contributors feeling and economic pinch and the middle class feeling squeezed as well.

Hagberg said," Even in recessions, charitable giving seems to go down only about one percent -- hopefully we will just see a dip, not a plunge."

Spencer Family YMCA Executive Director, Becky LaBarre, before taking the group on a tour of the new Dvergsten Childcare Center addition, told the group that the project was right on schedule and classes for children already being served at the YMCA would be held in the new space starting Monday. The new students are expected to begin joining the YMCA on Jan. 12.

In addition to the $490,000 donated by the Dvergsten Foundation for the project, the contributions offered publicly and privately have helped cover the budget. LaBarre also noted six rooms that brought in $50,000 each for naming rights. Those rooms will be named for: Northwest Bank, Community State Bank, Farmers Bank, the Chuck Whittenburg family; Opal Sanderson; and the Y's Men Club.

The luncheon concluded with the tour.