Thursday, June 30, 2016

Four Year Old Cal is One of Our Youngest Philanthropists


Before the Bromley family headed out to the YMCA of Springfield's annual Strong Kids Thank You Picnic, their 4 year old son Cal had a few questions.

"Where are we going?" he asked.

His parents explained, "We donated some money to the Y for kids who need it. We want to support the Y."

Cal replied, "Can I give some money?"

His parents said he could, so he went to his room and shook 40 cents out of his car shaped piggy bank. All night he had his money ready. During the presentation, he noticed one Y employee was mentioned as the "woman who counted all the money."

After the evening came to an end, Cal walked up to Sue, the "woman who counted all the money," and gave her his donation.

Sue told Cal, "Thank you so much. This will help other little boys and girls go to camp, go swimming, and do other fun things at the Y."

The Bromley family has been members of our Y for 5 years. Cal enjoys swim lessons, basketball and t-ball. His parents, Erin and Zach, love to work out at the Y.

The YMCA would like to thank Cal for his donation, and especially for his giving spirit. Our hearts are warmed by this - and every - young philanthropist!

Click here to learn more about our Strong Kids Scholarship Fund.


Tracy Uses Her Passion for Fitness to Help Others


Tracy has always been athletic and fit. She played sports in high school and made sure to fit in her lunch workout, but three children and time had changed her. About a year ago she found herself wanting more.

Fate stepped in and a friend inspired her to work towards a physique competition. Instead of settling for one, she did three last year!

Every day she wakes up at 5 a.m. and works out for an hour and a half. Sometimes she will also work out on her lunch breaks, but that's not all she does. She also teaches Body Conditioning at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Cardio Blast at 5:30 a.m. on Thursdays at Kerasotes. She is also more than happy to sub for other instructors.

This is on top of working a full time job, being a mother to three children, and a wife to a husband who is in the military and frequently abroad serving our country.

When you ask her how she does it, she offers up a very important tip, "Eight full hours of sleep every night. I wake up at 5 a.m. to get my lifting and cardio in so I make sure to be in bed by 9 p.m."

With a serious regimen six days a week, Tracy knows how important sleep is to recovery.

"After having three kids, I never thought my body would look a certain way, but that's not true. When I started seeing changes, I got so excited. I realized if you make the right choices, and put in the work, you can have the body you want."

Today, at the Y, Tracy fuels her fire by helping others reach their goals. "I don't mind texts and calls. I don't do this for the money. The women I help tell me I help keep them accountable. I want women to know they belong in the weight room too. They shouldn't be afraid to lift. I want women to be confident."

A self described energizer bunny, she says it's not just the lifestyle that keeps her going. She loves the unexpected "thank you's." For Tracy, it makes it all worth it.

Tracy has coached "Ramp It Up" and will be a coach for the Y's new program, "Total Body Transformation," a 90 Day Intense Weightlifting Challenge designed specifically for each individual's needs and goals. Tracy is excited to give participants the tools they need to change their bodies and their lives.
If you're interested in Total Body Transformation, click here. Also, be sure to rise with the sun and take Tracy's group class. You won't regret it!