Being thankful for everything you've been given is the greatest form of success, according to one pro golfer turned cancer survivor.

Ben Witter, world-renowned golf trick shot artist, spread his message of gratitude and optimism to the crowd gathered for the Schuylkill YMCA's sixth annual Spirit of the Y dinner and auction held last week at the Schuylkill Country Club.

Witter was the special guest speaker for the annual dinner that traditionally celebrates the hard work and dedication of the volunteers working for the Schuylkill YMCA. He headlined a strong lineup of honorees, starting with State Sen. James Rhoades, who received the first YMCA Champion Award, and Jeff Jones Sr. who received the Milton Sorin Volunteer of the Year Award.

Witter told the crowd that his journey from professional golfer to cancer survivor to trick shot artist changed his outlook on life and inspires his journey every day.

"Thirteen years ago, I was a college hot-shot golfer with big potential and a big ego to match," Witter said. "But a diagnosis of cancer of my salivary glands changed all that, and forced me to become highly motivated and forget my pain."

Witter learned to balance his devastating news by bouncing a golf ball repeatedly off a club, usually to the delight of the hospital staff caring for him. Their enthusiasm soon transcended his depression, and Witter was on his way to a full recovery and new career.

"I have been blessed with an amazing ability to hit a golf ball that accidentally led to a career where I could use the talent God gave me," Witter told the mesmerized crowd. "Now I know you could overcome any challenge that life gives you be genuinely being thankful for everything you have."

The Schuylkill YMCA also expressed its thanks to Sen. Rhoades by presenting him with the first annual Champion Award that is given to a volunteer who works tirelessly to support the Schuylkill Y and its mission. Rhoades is a "champion" for the Y for awarding the agency a $600,000 grant earlier this year.

YMCA Executive Director Wayne R. Stump said the grant money came at the perfect time for the Y since plans are underway to renovate several facilities throughout the county, including the former Pottsville Armory located on Centre Street.

"We have so much going on with the Y right now that the $600,000 from the senator that his commitment to the Y means more than he'll ever know," Stump said. "His astonishing efforts and belief in this organization has provided us with the necessary tools to being our journey back to Schuylkill County."

Hidden Valley Golf Course Manager Jeff Jones Sr. also knows what commitment to the Y means. After receiving his award as Volunteer of the Year, he told the crowd that his three years on the Y board have been some of the most rewarding of his life.

"There is no better satisfaction in the world for me than to help make something better for someone else in a time when they need it most," Jones said. "So when the Y calls, it's my pleasure to be there for them."

The Spirit of the Y dinner and auction is one of two major fundraisers for the Schuylkill YMCA, the second being the annual golf tournament held in June. All proceeds go directly to the Y Open Doors Scholarship Program, which gives all youth in the county the chance to participate in any Y program, regardless of financial ability.

The Schuylkill YMCA is currently in the process of renovating the former Pottsville Armory on Centre Street, along with satellite centers in Tremont, Frackville, and Shenandoah.

The Schuylkill Y is a member of the Schuylkill United Way.

SCHUYLKILL Y HONORS VOLUNTEERS AT ANNUAL DINNER

On the surface, Sen. Jim Rhoades and Jeff Jones Sr. might not have a lot in common. But lying just beneath is a lifelong commitment by both men to help others in times of need.

Because of their exemplary dedication to that commitment, the Schuylkill YMCA is honoring each man with a special award at the annual Spirit of the Y dinner and auction on March 5 at the Schuylkill Country Club.

Sen. Rhoades will receive the first annual Y Champion Award honoring his tireless effort to bring the Y home to Schuylkill County with a $600,000 state grant that he presented to the Y in January.

Y Board President Eric Seitzinger said the decision to name Sen. Rhoades as the first recipient of the special award was not difficult.

"The Schuylkill Y has come so far in the last few years. We are in the process of moving from a 'wall-less Y' to having a home right here in downtown Pottsville, along with several other locations throughout the county," Seitzinger said. "That would never have been possible without the efforts of Sen. Rhoades."

Seitzinger said the YMCA named the award with Sen. Rhoades in mind since he has been a "champion" for Schuylkill County his entire life. "And that is perfectly evident by his commitment to the Schuylkill Y," Seitzinger said.

The Schuylkill YMCA is currently in the process of renovating the former Pottsville Armory on Centre Street in Pottsville which it hopes to purchase in the near future, giving the Y a home in Schuylkill County for the first time in 30 years.

"The last time the Y had an actual presence in the Pottsville area was back in the early '70's when it was located on Second Street," Seitzinger said. "There's such a strong attachment to the Y from that time period that I think a lot of people are going to want to be a part of the new Y just for sentimental reasons, in addition to receiving quality programs right in their own backyard."

YMCA Executive Director Wayne Stump added that regardless of the initial reason for joining the new Y, people are going to be pleasantly surprised when they see the facility that's being planned.

"Once we get people through our doors, they're probably going to have a mixture of emotions, from reminiscing about the previous Y to anticipating becoming more involved in the current Y," Stump said. "Once again, we only have the Senator to thank for all of this."

Sen. Rhoades was instrumental in acquiring the grant for the organization, which will be used to renovate the former armory along with updating the Tremont Municipal Building where the Y plans to provide a range of programs. Funds may also be used for additional facilities currently in the planning stages in other areas of the county, Stump said.

Another factor in bringing the Schuylkill YMCA home again has been the dedication of its volunteers. The Y honors that dedication each year by presenting the Milton Sorin Volunteer of the Year award to one particular volunteer who through his or her dedication, commitment, and hard work, has helped to move the Y forward.

This year's recipient will be Jeff Jones Sr., inside operations manager at Hidden Valley Golf Course. YMCA Board Vice-President Ken Stolarick said Jones has been instrumental through all stages of growth, from the Y's strategic plan to the layout and format of the new Y building.

"Jeff has been a vital part of our entire process of becoming a formal YMCA that he is definitely the most deserving to receive this special award," Stolarick said. "Whatever we need, Jeff is always the first one there."

Jones has been a part of the YMCA board for the last three years, but has made a life-long commitment to bettering the lives of the residents of Schuylkill County. Whether as deputy county coroner for six years or as a volunteer emergency medical technician, Jeff has dedicated his entire life to helping others.

"There is no better satisfaction in the world for me than to help make something better for someone else in a time when they need it most," Jones said. "I am humbled to receive this award from the Y because I believe so strongly in this organization and what they stand for."

The sixth annual Spirit of the Y dinner and auction will be held on March 5 starting at 6 p.m. at the Schuylkill Country Club. For reservations, contact the Y at 622-7850.

The Schuylkill YMCA is a proud member of the Schuylkill United Way.

YMCA DINNER TO HIGHLIGHT JOURNEYS

Can you rip a golf ball 300 yards? Now can you do it standing on a giant beach ball with one hand tied behind your back?

While this sounds like a Dr. Seuss book, Ben Witter wants you to know that it can be done, and he proved it on March 5 as the guest speaker at the annual Schuylkill YMCA Spirit of the Y dinner and auction.

Witter has made a career out of beating the odds, both professionally and personally, and he'll be relaying his skills and his journey toward achieving his goals to the Y audience.

"My philosophy on life is pretty much the same as that of a good golf game-it must be based on sound, fundamental principles that are the underlying key to not only being able to hit the most solid golf ball of your life, but also will lead to proven success in everything you do," Witter said. "It's all about a strong, solid core."

Witter's journey will be the introduction to a journey of their own for the Schuylkill YMCA who for the first time in 30 years will be able to call Pottsville and Schuylkill County home when they move into the former Pottsville Armory on Centre Street later this year. Thanks in part to funding from Sen. James Rhoades, the Y will soon have a permanent place to call home.

YMCA incoming Board President Eric Seitzinger said that while the Y has always had a presence in Schuylkill County, having a permanent location will mean so much to the people living in the county, and the annual dinner is the perfect venue to announce the news.

"Our dinner has traditionally been a night for celebrating the past year, and letting everyone involved with the Y know how much they're appreciated," Seitzinger said. "This year, we have something extra-special to celebrate-our return home to Schuylkill County."

Schuylkill YMCA Executive Director Wayne Stump said he knew Ben Witter would be the perfect choice for this year's dinner because his journey to golfing super-stardom is an inspiration to anyone looking to overcome the odds and achieve their dreams.

"I can honestly say the first time I heard Ben's story I was moved. What he's had to overcome in his life, and how that has led him to where he's at now-the success he's had-is really awe-inspiring," Stump said. "His journey is the perfect way to start our own journey, and hopefully we'll be an inspiration to both kids and families for many years to come."

Witter's tale of triumph starts in 1988 when a diagnosis of cancer suddenly halted his dreams of playing professional golf. His story of how he overcame his adversity and redirected his passion for the game to become one of the most talented and sought-after trick shot artists on the circuit today is a true inspiration. He has been mentioned in the Wall Street Journal and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

And of course no appearance by Ben Witter would be complete without a demonstration of his skills. Anyone who has seen Witter perform will be amazed by the ever-changing range of his talent, and those who have not experienced his show will simply marvel at it.

But Witter is not the only highlight of the evening's festivities. Sharing the spotlight with him will be the annual Bids-for-Kids silent auction that has become a tradition for diehard sports fans and collectors alike.

"We've had such success with our auction each year, it makes it so exciting to plan and prepare the items for the next year," Stump said. "Without giving too much away, I really think this year's list items will beat anything else we've had so far. And the best thing about it is that the money raised through the bidding goes directly back to help families throughout Schuylkill County."

Some of the items include autographed items from Eli Manning, Brett Farve, Pittsburg Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies. Not to be outdone, this year's event will also feature some special entries for the female attendees as well as those not so athletically-inclined. Items such as spa and massage certificates to vacation packages and romantic getaways will all be included among the items up for bid this year.

"We've come up with some pretty unique items that we think will surprise and captivate anyone who may not be interested in sports, or has someone at home who might enjoy a surprise or two," Stump said. "We try to think of everyone and hope that everyone involved has a great time."

YMCA Mural Project

      The Schuylkill YMCA is please to announce the launch of a new program which seeks to benefit the entire community, the Schuylkill County Mural Project. The YMCA hopes to work in conjunction with the service learning components of local high schools in order to paint murals in the Schuylkill County area. This not only provides high school students with an opportunity to be active within their community, but also allows us to extend the presence of visual arts throughout Schuylkill County. The project is designed so that the students can participate in all aspects of the mural designing and painting process, thus increasing their personal investment in the venture and their community.

      Organizations wishing to have murals done should contact the Schuylkill YMCA. Once completed, the organization may choose to make a donation to the Schuylkill YMCA to help cover the mural costs. This program is being coordinated by Stacie Knehr- Kutz, Art Program Director, Schuylkill YMCA and Elementary Art Teacher, Tri Valley Area School District. She can be reached at (570) 622-7850 or ymcayf@comcast.net with any further questions.

Schuylkill YMCA awarded funding from Alcoa Foundation

      The Schuylkill YMCA has received a grant from the Alcoa Foundation in the amount of $30,000. According to Wayne R. Stump, YMCA Executive Director this funding will be used to purchase exercise equipment. "The YMCA is currently working with the Tremont Borough to operate a branch out of the Tremont Community Center located on Clay Street." Stump said. "The funding from Alcoa will allow us to purchase the necessary exercise equipment to open a youth and teen friendly fitness center" added Stump. The YMCA plans to offer a variety of youth and adult sports in the gymnasium starting in the fall. In addition they are working to secure funding to renovate space in the building to operate a fitness center that will be available for teens and adults to begin leading a healthy, active lifestyle.

      One of the Areas of Excellence that the Alcoa Foundation addresses is ensuring that children and their families have the tools, the knowledge and the services to remain healthy and safe at home, in the community and in the workplace. The YMCA's proposal to develop a youth friendly fitness center addressed this exact area and that is why they have been awarded the grant.

      Once in operation the fitness center will be available for youth and adults. The center will contain a variety of cardiovascular and strength training equipment specifically for youth and designated times of the day will be scheduled for these teens to enjoy the same fitness opportunities as adults.

      The center will be open to adults but the primary goal is to increase physical activity for youth. "The YMCA will provide a safe, fun atmosphere where youth can enjoy fitness and reduce a lifestyle that includes sitting in from of the television or computer." Said Stump. "Our hopes are that participants will become healthier and more active."

      A date has not been set for the opening of the fitness center until the YMCA receives the additional money needed to make space renovations, however programs such as youth basketball, flag football, indoor soccer and hockey along with Adult Basketball will begin in late September.