Honoring a Father’s Legacy: The Sharaf Family’s Gift to the Waxahachie Family YMCA Capital Expansion Project

For the Sharaf family, their family and business ties run deep in Waxahachie. 

Victron Energy, founded by late Ali Sharaf, has called YMCA Drive home for nearly two decades. Ali immigrated from Syria, worked tirelessly to build a business from the ground up, and found a welcoming community in Waxahachie. Today, his family continues in that same legacy, not only through operating the company, but their commitment to give back.

“We’re grateful for this community,” said Mohamed Sharaf, Ali’s son and Chief Development Officer of Victron Energy. “Waxahachie took care of my siblings, and I when we were small, and it’s important that we give back in meaningful ways.”

A Gift That Reflects a Father’s Passions

The Sharaf family has made a major contribution to the YMCA’s expansion projects, choosing to name several areas of the new Cindy Hess Memorial Park and Waxahachie building in honor of Ali, including the volleyball courts, walking trail, and inside welcome area. 

Ali loved volleyball so much that he once tore his ACL twice playing. Naming the volleyball area in his memory felt like the perfect tribute.

“We wanted to support something my dad would have genuinely loved,” Mohamed shared. “It means a lot knowing people will see his name and enjoy this space for years to come.”

Why the Sharaf Family Believes This Project Matters

Mohamed grew up swimming and attending programs at the Waxahachie Y, He knows firsthand how the Y brings people together. 

“The Y is one of the few places where people of all backgrounds can gather,” he said. “Institutions like this are vital. If we don’t support them, we risk losing spaces that build real community.”

He also believes the new park will set a new standard for the region. “There’s nothing like this planned anywhere south of Dallas,” he said. “This project will elevate our entire community.”

Join the Sharaf Family in Building the Future of Waxahachie 

The Sharaf family’s gift honors a loved one and helps create spaces that will serve families for generations.

Now, we invite you to be part of this legacy.

Your support will bring the expanded Waxahachie Family YMCA and new Cindy Hess Memorial Park to life, a place where families can play, connect, and grow together. 

Join the Sharaf family and help build something extraordinary for Waxahachie!