The Winston Y’s Giving Tree Gala was a night to remember the contributions and passing of W. W. “Bill” Gay, and to celebrate YMCA donors and friends who help create the impact happening in and around the Winston Family YMCA.
Patrons joined hands with volunteers, board/members and donors for dinner and fellowship inside the Jessie Ball Dupont Center in Riverside for the event. The YMCA wanted to remember Mr. Gay’s legacy centered on faith, family, civic service and philanthropy by creating a gala that would raise funds to help serve the community.
This year’s 4th annual gala recipient was awarded to Joyce Delifus, Co-Founder/CEO, of The Delifus Foundation. Ms. Delifus started the foundation in memory of her son, Shawn Delifus. Shawn was a 2003 graduate of Raines Senior High School and a swimming enthusiast who was among the top swim coaches in the nation. He passed away at the age of 30 in 2016. To support Shawn’s passion, the foundation collaborated with YMCA to offer a swimming instruction course for families. The swim classes are dedicated to delivering quality professional instructions to low and moderate income families in addition to youth education and nutrition.
Currently the foundation teaches hundreds of students and seniors swimming lessons inside the Johnson Family YMCA on Cleveland Road.
The annual gala celebrates individuals that mirror the core values of Mr. Gay and the First Coast YMCA. Past recipients include 2024 recipient former Duval County Sheriff and author Nathaniel ‘Nat’ Glover. The proceeds of the event will help programs for those that need the YMCA.
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