As the YMCA of Greenwich celebrates its 110th anniversary, the organization marked the milestone by raising more than $515,000 during one of the most successful galas in its history, bringing together more than 220 community leaders, supporters, volunteers, and philanthropists.
Held on Friday, April 24 at Delamar Greenwich Harbor, the annual gala, themed An Evening on the French Riviera, celebrated 110 years of strengthening the Greenwich community through programs and services that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
The evening served as both a reflection on the YMCA’s remarkable history and a testament to the growing community support helping propel the organization forward. Through sponsorships, donations, and auction participation, guests demonstrated a shared commitment to ensuring the YMCA remains a vital resource for generations to come.
“For 110 years, the YMCA of Greenwich has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community while remaining grounded in our mission of serving all,” said Matthew Skaarup, CEO of the YMCA of Greenwich. “The incredible support shown at this year’s gala reflects not only pride in our history, but confidence in our future. Because of this generosity, we can continue expanding access to programs and services that help individuals and families thrive.”
The gala reflected the YMCA’s broader anniversary theme: honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building toward the future. Over the past several years, the YMCA of Greenwich has experienced significant growth and transformation, expanding programs, strengthening community partnerships, growing childcare services, increasing outreach efforts, and deepening its impact across Greenwich.
Zeina Pike, Matt Skaarup, Jennifer Galbally. Photo: Fairfield County Look.
State Rep Steve Meskers (D-150) and State Rep Hector Arzeno (D-151) with longtime YMCA supporter and community leader Sandy Waters, who was honored for her decades of leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to the organization. Photo: Fairfield County Look.
As community needs continue to grow, so does the YMCA’s commitment to ensuring everyone has access to the programs and services they need to learn, grow, and thrive. In 2026 alone, the YMCA of Greenwich is projected to provide nearly $850,000 in scholarships and financial assistance—the largest level of support in the organization’s history.
Approximately $500,000 of that support has been allocated specifically for childcare scholarships benefiting the YMCA’s Early Learning Center, After School, and Summer Day Camp programs. Financial assistance also helps provide access to memberships, swim lessons, youth sports and enrichment programs, teen leadership opportunities, adaptive and inclusive programming, chronic disease prevention initiatives, evidence-based wellness programs, and school supply assistance efforts.
The YMCA’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond traditional programming. Through initiatives such as Safety Around Water, the YMCA works to address critical community needs by helping children develop lifesaving water safety skills regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Combined with ongoing investments in childcare, youth development, health and wellness, and programs that foster belonging and connection, these efforts reflect the YMCA’s mission to strengthen the community for all.
As the YMCA of Greenwich celebrates its 110th anniversary, its recent gala was one of the most successful in its history. Photo: Fairfield County Look.
A special highlight of the evening was the recognition of longtime YMCA supporter and community leader Sandy Waters, who was honored for her decades of leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to the organization. Waters has served in numerous leadership roles throughout her involvement with the YMCA, including as a board member and board
chair, and was recently named the founding member of the YMCA of Greenwich’s President’s Leadership Council.
The President’s Leadership Council was established to cultivate advocates, ambassadors, and guardians of the YMCA’s mission and legacy while helping ensure the organization remains strong and sustainable for future generations.
Several local and state officials attended the gala and presented Waters with a citation recognizing her lasting contributions to the community, including Connecticut State Representatives Héctor Arzeno and Steve Meskers, Town of Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo, and United States Senator Richard Blumenthal. The evening was emceed by Lisa Kerney, NBC Sports host and former ESPN and FanDuel broadcaster, who guided guests through an evening of celebration, storytelling, and philanthropy.
The YMCA of Greenwich expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors for helping make the evening possible, including Presenting Sponsor Golub Capital. Additional event sponsors included Amulet Capital, Wells Fargo Wealth and Investment Management, Greenwich Psychology Group, Shreve, Crump & Low, and Carnegie Prep. The event was co-chaired by Zeina Pike and Jennifer Galbally, alongside a dedicated gala committee whose months of planning helped bring the evening to life.
As the YMCA enters its next chapter, leaders say the overwhelming support demonstrated throughout the 110th anniversary year reinforces the organization’s ability to continue serving as a cornerstone of the Greenwich community for generations to come.
While the YMCA celebrates 110 years of service, the evening demonstrated that its greatest impact may still lie ahead.
Those interested in supporting the YMCA of Greenwich’s mission can contribute to the Annual Campaign. Donations help expand access to critical programs and financial assistance for individuals and families throughout the community. To make a gift, visit greenwichymca.org/give/annual.
The YMCA of Greenwich is one of the largest community-based organizations in Greenwich. Founded in 1916, the YMCA of Greenwich offers programs and services that promote and sustain healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility to nurture the potential of everyone in our community. Our YMCA is a membership organization open to all people. The YMCA welcomes people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities and financial circumstances. With our “Y For All Membership” program, your rates are based on total household income and circumstance.