Category: Events

Making Waves for a Cause: The Marsh Madness Polar Plunge Recap

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

A Chilling Challenge with a Warm Heart

Imagine stepping into icy 34-degree waters, the cold stealing your breath away as you take the plunge. Now, imagine doing it for a cause that changes lives. On March 15, hundreds of brave adventurers did just that at the Marsh Madness Polar Plunge, an annual fundraising event hosted by the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. This event wasn’t just about the thrill—it was about making waves for a greater cause by raising essential funds for the YMCA’s Open Door Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to youth when their families need extra help to afford programming such as summer camp, before & after school care, school’s out programs.

“Regardless of their family's ability to pay, events like this make sure that kids in our county have access to high-quality programming that is affordable. The experiences they have with their peers and our mentors have long-lasting impressions on their lives – from core memories to learning social skills and building confidence in a safe place. Every kid deserves – and receives – the same chance for potential.”

-Phil Borup

Freezin’ for a Reason: The Impact of Your Support

Every dollar raised at Marsh Madness helps ensure that children, no matter their financial circumstances, can access life-changing YMCA programs, including swim lessons, summer camp, and memberships.

  • $100 provides two children with six weeks of swim lessons, helping them learn vital water safety skills.
  • $250 gives a struggling family a seven-month YMCA membership, offering them a place to stay active and engaged.
  • $500 sends four children to one week of summer camp, giving working parents peace of mind.
  • $1,000 ensures 12 children have meals and snacks in childcare for a month.

The ripples of generosity from this year’s plunge will be felt by countless families across Berks County.

Epic Costumes, Fierce Competitions, and Award-Winning Spirit

The event was more than just a plunge—it was a celebration of community spirit. Participants sported wacky costumes, formed spirited teams, and competed for top fundraising awards.

Pot of Gold Awards (Top Individuals)

  • Shamrock Award (Male with most money raised): Joseph Conte 
  • Four Leaf Clover Award (Female with most money raised): Kim Evans
  • Leprechaun Elder Award (Oldest Plunger): Bill Oswald
  • Fairy Tales Award (Best Female Costume): Rylee Coyle
  • Ogre Drag Award (Best Male Costume): Joey Conte

Blarney Chalice Awards (Top Groups)

  • Fiddler Folly Award (Best Team Costume): Christopher, Robin, Candice, and Ira Wierzbowski
  • Member Spirit Award (Member team with most participants or best costume): Reading YMCA Swim Team
  • Community Spirit Award (Business with most money raised): Exeter Leo Club 

Y Spirit Awards (Branch Awards)

  • Most Money Raised: Reading YMCA 
  • Best Spirit: Sinking Spring YMCA’s Group Fitness Team

Community Champions: Our Incredible Sponsors

Marsh Madness wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our local businesses. A huge thank you to our sponsors who helped make this event a success:

Platinum Sponsors

Redner’s, Chicco, Enersys, The Works at Wyomissing

Gold Sponsors

MailShark, West Lawn Quoiting Associates, UGI Energy Services INC, Reading Orthodontics Management, Dorothy M Hass Charitable Trust

Silver Sponsors

Alarm Tech Services INC, Reading Precast INC, Performance Roofing Associates, EHD, Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys, Burkey Construction, Fulton Bank, Herbein, Maillie LLP, Precor, Fleetwood Orioles Nest #23

Bronze Sponsors

Sheetz, Tree’s Salon, Sims Lawn and Landscaping LLC, West Wyomissing Fire Co, Lincoln Park Fire Company, Boehringer’s Drive-In, Hidden View Woodworks, Kristen Young Pilates LLC, ReMax of Reading, Rudolph LLC

Iceberg Sponsors

D & S Portable Toilets LLC, Geist Sporting Goods, Elwood and Carol Klinger, Simple Again, Keystone T’s, Bob Zelano Refrigeration, Prospectus Berco

Support the Y’s Mission: It’s Not Too Late to Donate

Visit our website to learn more about YMCA programs, volunteer opportunities, and how to support local nonprofits in Reading, PA. Every contribution helps strengthen our community—because when we come together, we rise together.

Make your splash today! Donate Now

10 Things to Do at the Y

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

When you have fun options, prioritizing your health and wellness feels anything but “routine.” Putting self-care first helps enhance your sense of joy and contributes to a better quality of life.

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County offers something for every age. Here’s a top 10 list of activities to keep your mind, body and spirit strong.

  1. Health & Wellness. Exercise in one of five fitness centers outfitted with new free weights and cardio equipment that streams your devices so you can track your progress or catch up on your shows. Have little ones? Check the times for supervised childcare in the Kids Court while you work out or get a massage at New Beginnings in Sinking Spring Y. With fitness and nutrition orientations and cooking classes, the Y helps you improve your lifestyle choices.
  2. Fitness Classes. Find your fun in fitness classes including Zumba®, yoga, spin, aquacise, LesMills™ BodyPump and many more that cater to different fitness levels and interests.
  3. Get a day pass or membership to have a ball playing racquet sports year-round. To keep beginners and practiced players moving, the Y has indoor pickleball courts. You also can shoot hoops in, or maybe even rent, the gym.
  4. Head to the indoor swimming pool at the Reading YMCA branch where you can enjoy lap swimming, recreational swimming and swim lessons for all ages.
  5. Certifications and Classes. Take CPR, AED and lifeguarding classes in life-saving procedures offered through American Red Cross.
  6. Summer Camps. Enroll your children in summer day camp and playground programs! Every week features amazing field trips within and beyond Berks, fun weekly themes, pool/water days, sports, arts and crafts, and educational programming for fun camp challenges. Campers will learn new skills, preventing summer learning loss. They’ll make new friends and life-long memories!
  7. Celebrate a Birthday. At the Sinking Spring Y, make the day special with exclusive access to the Kids Court (Play Port, bounce house and climbing wall) and dedicated party staff. There are also options for Nerf parties and Gaga Pits.
  8. Kids Night Out. Parents can take the night off and drop their kids (grades K-6) off for an evening of fun and games, crafts, snacks and movies. This monthly event rotates among the Y’s five branches.
  9. Enrichment Programs. In addition to early learning centers, the Y offers Before & After School Care and School’s Out programs for school-aged children. Homework help, games and nutritious snacks are a few of the things you can expect.
  10. Participating in community events offers a special sense of connection, camaraderie and purpose. Save these dates:
  • Take the plunge on March 15 at Blue Marsh for the Y’s Annual Marsh Madness Polar Plunge event to benefit youth.
  • Come to Healthy Kids Day, a free family fun day hosted by the YMCA and Berks County Parks & Recreation on April 26 featuring a color run for kids, food trucks, smoothy-making bikes, crafts, fitness activities and local vendors.
  • Pick your partner and register online (beginning March 30) for the Annual Cornhole Tournament on June 13. This family-friendly event will have brackets for adults (12+) and families (ages 6-12 can team up with an adult), food trucks and prizes.

For 166 years, the YMCA of Reading and Berks County has worked to strengthen our community by building healthier families, empowering youth, fostering inclusivity and providing a foundation for connection and belonging. The Y has five fitness/wellness centers, two early learning centers, and is one of the few in the nation to offer residential housing programs. In addition to its physical branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley (Fleetwood, Oley and Schuylkill Valley), the Y provides enrichment programs and community activities with several organizations and schools throughout the county. ymcarbc.org

YMCA of Reading & Berks County Celebrates Staff Milestone Anniversaries, New Board Member, and CEO Choice Awards for Excellence

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County proudly hosted its 166th Annual Meeting at the Reading YMCA, bringing together board members and staff to celebrate leadership, dedication, and outstanding service. The event marked the induction of new board members, honored staff milestone anniversaries, and recognized the winners of the 2nd Annual CEO Choice Awards.

2024 Board Chairman Troy Rider and 2025 Board Chairman James Michalak

Newly elected board members pictured with CEO Phillip Borup: Daniel Laws, Crystal Gilmore-Harris, James Michalak

Welcoming New Leadership

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is excited to announce the appointment of new officers who will help guide the organization into the future:

  • Association Board Chairman: James Michalak, Partner, Chief Operating Officer, Herbein + Company
  • Vice Chairman: Michael Trymbiski, Regional Account Manager, UGI Energy Services
  • Treasurer: Robert Ippolito, retired
  • Secretary: Troy Rider, Esq., Partner, Barley Snyder LLC, (previously served as Board Chairman)

Additionally, the YMCA welcomed newly elected board members:

  • Crystal Gilmore-Harris, Community Outreach Coordinator, Senator Judith L. Schwank’s Office
  • Daniel Laws, President/CEO, DaBrian Marketing Group
  • Carl Sottosanti, Esq., retired and rejoining the board

With these new appointments, the YMCA will continue to further its commitment to strengthening its mission, expanding its reach, and continuing its impactful work in the community. Together, the board and staff will move forward with honesty, respect, and a caring spirit, committed to fostering a community that thrives on the YMCA values.

Honoring Excellence: CEO Choice Awards

At the Annual Meeting, the YMCA recognized the winners of the 2nd Annual CEO Choice Awards, honoring employees who exemplify dedication and a commitment to the Y’s mission. Each honoree received an award symbolizing their uniqueness that helps build the synergy of the team’s DNA and their dedication to excellence in all they do to make an impact in the communities we serve.  

This year’s recipients include:

  • Mary Halstead, Certified Recovery Specialist
  • Bruce Nixon, Maintenance Professional, Reading YMCA 
  • Amy Lerario, Fitness Coordinator
  • Jenn Wilmer, Welcome Center Representative, Tri Valley YMCA
  • Jonathan Johnson, Program Director/Branch Manager, Mifflin and Adamstown YMCAs
  • Amber Fox, Digital Media Engagement Director
  • Chrissy Faller, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
  • Gena Pina Garcia, Executive Director of Social Services (two-time recipient)
  • Angie Harrison, Executive Director of Member Engagement and Reading YMCA Center Manager

2024 CEO Choice Awards honorees pictured with CEO Phillip Borup: Jonathan Johnson, Amy Lerario, Mary Halstead, Jenn Wilmer, Gena Pina Garcia, Chrissy Faller, and Angie Harrison; Not pictured: Amber Fox and Bruce Nixon

“These individuals exemplify the YMCA’s core values and drive our mission forward through their unwavering commitment, leadership qualities, and inspiration they provide throughout the organization and the broader community.”

-Phillip Borup, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

Recognizing Dedicated Staff Milestones

The YMCA also took the opportunity to honor its dedicated staff members who have reached significant milestone anniversaries in their years of service. These individuals have made invaluable contributions to the Y community:

5 Years

  • Jill Demi, Group Supervisor, Young Toddler classroom, Tri Valley YMCA Richmond Early Learning Center 
  • Stephanie Labissiere, Lead Teacher, Pre-K Counts program, Reading YMCA Early Learning Center
  • Nyree Fernandez, Child Care Director, Tri Valley YMCA Richmond Early Learning Center
  • Siri Nieves, Parent Educator, Parenting Pathways program
  • Sonia Davila, Reading YMCA Housekeeping team member

10 Years

  • Lisa Getz, Welcome Center Representative, Adamstown YMCA 
  • Renee Seisler, Group Exercise Instructor, Sinking Spring YMCA 
  • Jordon Valentine, Assistant Group Supervisor, Pre-K Counts program, Reading YMCA Early Learning Center

15 Years

  • Shelley Eppihimer, Vice President of Youth Development

20 Years

  • Nelson Lopez-Soto, YMCA maintenance team member

“Our staff are our greatest asset, We are so grateful to have them run and support our programs. They’re invested in doing more than their jobs. They create meaning, build connections, and improve the quality of life for the individuals and families in Berks. At the YMCA, we foster a culture of professional and personal growth, ensuring that our staff feel valued and empowered.”

-Phillip Borup, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

Looking Forward

As the YMCA of Reading & Berks County continues to grow, the organization remains dedicated to strengthening communities, developing leadership, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. The Y extends its gratitude to all board members, staff, and community partners who support its mission.

For more information about the YMCA of Reading & Berks County and its initiatives, visit www.YMCArbc.org  or follow us on social media.

YMCA of Reading & Berks County Invites Community to Make a Splash for Berks Youth

Posted on Updated on by Chrissy Faller

YMCA of Reading & Berks County will hold its 18th annual St. Patty’s Marsh Madness Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Blue Marsh Lake at the Dry Brooks Day-Use Area in Bernville, Pa. 19506. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the plunge starts at 11 a.m. An after-party and an awards ceremony for door prizes, crazy costumes, and top fundraisers will immediately follow the plunge.

About Marsh Madness

“Whether you’re dipping a toe in the lake or doing a deep dive, our Polar Plunge event is a fun and entertaining way of chilling with friends, families and neighbors who rally together to support Berks County youth. March Madness Polar Plunge makes it possible to give children foundational tools and experiences that help them grow academically, physically, mentally and spiritually,” said President & CEO Phillip Borup, YMCA of Reading & Berks County. 

All proceeds from Marsh Madness benefit the Y’s Open Doors Scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to children and families based on need and circumstance, regardless of their ability to pay. It gives families access and resources to afford memberships and programs including youth sports, childcare, summer day camp, and swim lessons.

Sign Up To Participate or Become a Sponsor

YMCA of Reading & Berks County is pleased to announce that pre-registration is open and multiple sponsorship levels have been made available for area businesses and non-profits. For next steps:

  • Sign Up to Take the Plunge: To participate, individuals and/or teams can pre-register at www.ymcarbc.org/marsh-madness  or by contacting [email protected]. Then they can begin collecting pledges from their families, friends and supporters. The Y’s Marsh Madness Facebook page can help spread the word virtually and encourage support with videos, pictures and posts.

  • Become a Sponsor: Multiple sponsorship levels are available for businesses to make a local difference, have team building, and gain visibility. For other non-profits (including school groups, families, sports clubs, etc.), the Y offers a 50/50 sponsorship that allows them to split funds raised with the Y for a win-win.

“Everyone in the community is welcome to plunge or to enjoy an entertaining morning and cheer on the brave plungers,” said Borup.

Last year’s event raised more than $55,000 for the Open Doors Scholarship, helping more than 1,300 individuals with financial assistance including children who were able to attend summer day camp, participate in values-based youth sports programs, and have a safe place to go after school.

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

For 165 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has been a cornerstone in the community, putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Driven by its founding mission, the Y is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the community and empowering individuals by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections among 2,700 Ys in 10,000 communities across the United States. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley.