The snowy weather may have dampened the crowd a bit for Thursday morning’s annual Fishers YMCA fund-raising event, but the Y was still able to meet the event’s goal.  More than $25,000 was contributed by those attending the breakfast.

Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Bill Brooks, one of just a handful of names on the Colts “ring of honor” at Lucas Oil Stadium, was keynote speaker and told the story of how the YMCA impacted his young life.

He grew up in the tough Boston neighborhood of Roxbury and his parents placed young Bill Brooks in the local YMCA.  He admitted that, at first, he resisted going to the Y because he would rather hang out with his friends.  His parents made sure he did attend the Y, and over time discovered what the local YMCA could do for him.

He credits the YMCA experience for providing the basis for excelling in sports, going to college and ending up as a player in the NFL.

“The Y taught me a lot,’ said Brooks.  “Taught me a lot about how to interact with people , how to be involved with people, get involved with programs, how to work with other people.”

Another event the Fishers YMCA is sponsoring this month allows local “helpers” a chance to work out as part of the February 29th Cycle-a-thon.  Firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors, teachers , EMTs and active military are all examples of community helpers.  Community Helpers, by signing up and choosing “Community Heroes Ride (12:15pm),” you are reserving one bike for this special ride. You do not need to be a YMCA member to participate. This ride is for all community helpers.    For more on the Cycle-a-thon, use this link.

For more on the Community Helpers, use this link.

In order to make a donation to the YMCA, use this link.