Rye Y Announces Gold Spirit, Community Service Award Winners

Doug DeStaebler

Laura Kelleher

Maureen Gomez

The Rye YMCA has announced the winners of its 2018 Gold Spirit and Community Service Awards, which will be presented at the organization’s Magic and Merriment benefit on Friday, May 18.

The Gold Spirit Award is the Rye Y’s highest award for its volunteers. Recipients are selected by former Gold Spirit winners for their leadership and service on behalf of the Y. This year’s awardees are Douglas DeStaebler and Laura Kelleher.

A member of the board of directors for seven years, DeStaebler served on the Executive Committee for six years. During this time, he held the positions of treasurer and board president. As chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, DeStaebler led the successful 18-month effort to develop a “Roadmap” to guide the Y’s cause-driven and member-centric work.

Kelleher began her volunteer service at the Rye Y when she joined the Auxiliary Committee in 2005. The following year, she was elected to the board of directors, where she served two three-year terms. Her leadership roles included Vice President, co-chair of the Barefoot Bash and March Madness fundraising events, and co-chair of the Annual Campaign. She was also an active member of the Board Development committee.

The Community Service Award will be presented to Maureen Gomez, whose impact extends far beyond Rye. She is known as an advocate for pedestrian safety, having served as the co-chair of the Shared Roadways Committee, a member of Rye’s Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee, and a parent representative on the Safe Routes to School Committee. She has served as president of the board for Twig and the Rye Crew Booster Club. Most recently, she has devoted her time and energy to the Carver Center, where she is currently president of the board and to Part of the Solution (POTS) in the Bronx.

The Magic and Merriment benefit will be held at Shenorock Shore Club in Rye and will feature—in addition to the awards—a live auction and entertainment by magician and comedian Derek Hughes, a finalist on America’s Got Talent. To purchase tickets, visit our website at www.ryeymca.org or contact Susan Olson at susanolson@ryeymca.org or 967-6363, ext. 202.