DISTINGUISHED HONORS GIVEN TO 23 NORTH TEXAS VOLUNTEERS AT YMCA OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS 139TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION

DALLAS, TEXAS (April 21, 2025) – The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas hosted its 2025 Annual Celebration on Thursday, April 17 at the Frontiers of Flight Museum to recognize volunteers who have dedicated their time in service to the Y’s mission and vision. While thousands of volunteers support the YMCA's diverse programs annually, only a distinguished group receives awards for their exceptional contributions and impact.

“Community and volunteerism are the cornerstones of the YMCA, forming the very essence of our nonprofit mission,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “Volunteers play a role in every event, program, and initiative we take on. We simply could not achieve what we do without them. Their dedication is essential to our work, and we are immensely thankful for their passionate commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve.”

This year, 23 volunteers were formally recognized with top awards for their contributions to the Y and the North Texas community.

John Costa - Theodore P. Beasley Distinguished Leadership Award. The Theodore P. Beasley Distinguished Leadership Award is given annually in recognition of outstanding service and volunteer leadership to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.

John M. Costa serves as Executive Vice President and Director of National Businesses at Comerica Bank. Over the course of his 38-year tenure, he has held numerous leadership roles across the country, serving as relationship manager, credit officer, group manager, and department manager.

John has also been a dedicated volunteer leader for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas since 2010, when he joined the Association Board and the Finance Committee. He took on the role of Finance Committee Chair in 2013, joining the Executive Committee and providing strategic financial leadership in collaboration with YMCA CFOs David Bornowski, and now, Wade Griffin.

Under his guidance, the Finance Committee has played a critical role in evaluating capital projects, debt arrangements, and investment strategies, as well as reviewing monthly financials, annual budgets, and year-end audits. His clear-eyed stewardship and sound counsel have been vital in sustaining the YMCA’s mission and financial health.

Dee Ellington - Charles P. Storey Award. The Charles P. Storey Strong Communities Award is presented to a YMCA volunteer who has demonstrated commitment and has been instrumental in creation and perpetuation of a local YMCA.

Dee Ellington exemplifies what it means to be a YMCA champion and community builder. Since joining the Board of Managers at the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff in 2011, Dee has dedicated herself to advancing the Y’s mission through tireless volunteerism, visionary leadership, and a heart for service.

In 2012, Dee took on key leadership roles, serving as Program Committee Chair and co-chairing the Annual Campaign. She led the campaign raising $55,000, and continued to build momentum year after year—growing the goal to $150,000 by 2021. Her dedication was recognized in 2013 as the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Volunteer of the Year and again in 2015 with the Sam Winstead Volunteer of the Year Award.

As Board Chair starting in 2019, Dee reimagined board engagement through the lens of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, strengthening the board’s connection to the community it serves.

In 2021, on Easter Sunday, she received a life-saving heart transplant. Remarkably, just a month later, she was back leading board meetings and volunteering, living proof of the strength and spirit she shares with others.

Sam Winstead Volunteer of the Year Awards:

• Mike Millican - Camp Grady Spruce
• Zach Goldberg - Collin County Adventure Camp
• Leroy Wilkerson - Coppell Family YMCA
• Jim Mitzel - Cross Timbers Family YMCA
• Terri McCoy- Frisco Family YMCA
• Kimberly Akinrodoye - Grand Prairie Family YMCA
• Eric Stacey - J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall
• Kathleen Elliott - Lake Highlands Family YMCA
• Michael Wooton - McKinney Family YMCA
• Chris Burton - Moody Family YMCA
• Jessie King - Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff
• Dr. Demetra Jones - Park South Family YMCA
• Chris Finetto - Plano Family YMCA
• Aaron Gary - Richardson Family YMCA
• John Holt - Semones Family YMCA
• Stephen Sobolevitch - T. Boone Pickens YMCA
• Robert Aday - Waxahachie Family YMCA
• Shelby Angel - White Rock YMCA
• Sarah Berry - YMCA Serving the Irving Community
• Debra Bragg - YMCA Serving the West Dallas Community

Youth Character Awards:

• Caleb Manickam - McKinney Family YMCA
• Matthew Wooton - McKinney Family YMCA
• Zoila Sanchez - McKinney Family YMCA
• Thomas Gao - Coppell Family YMCA