Dan Eller is the volunteer chairperson of the YMCA of Greenville's 2017 Annual Campaign.
I am honored to be the volunteer chairperson of the YMCA of Greenville’s 2017 Annual Campaign. My family and I have supported the Annual Campaign of the YMCA of Greenville for many years because of what the YMCA means to us. The YMCA has provided us with dear friends, fond memories, and a sense of belonging. More importantly, we’ve seen firsthand the profound impact the Y has on the lives of all kinds of people, from children to senior citizens. The Y is transforming lives every day.
The YMCA of Greenville’s mission statement is clear, concise, and packed with meaning. “The YMCA of Greenville, following the example of Christ, builds a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.” The Annual Campaign ensures that the YMCA is fulfilling its mission. The campaign removes the inability to pay as an obstacle for anyone in our community who wants to experience all that the YMCA has to offer.
The Annual Campaign provides funding to guarantee that the last two words of the mission statement, “for all,” are not just empty sentiment. One hundred percent of this year’s goal of $1.2 million dollars will be shared with residents of Greenville County who have demonstrated economic need and a desire to be a part of the YMCA – individuals and families who need our services most.
The YMCA of Greenville is more than a gym; it is a cause. The Y, in a word, is about engagement. Through our three pillars of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y is reaching out into the community, working to make Greenville a place in which everyone can succeed.
The YMCA continues to innovate to help our community through a variety of programs, for instance, Exercise is Medicine Greenville (EIMG), in partnership with Greenville Health System, The USC School of Medicine Greenville and the American College of Sports Medicine, addresses the needs of people diagnosed with chronic disease. Our Teen Achiever program connects adult volunteer mentors with high school students in four Greenville high schools to engage in guiding them to set and pursue higher educational goals. R.E.C.E.S.S. (Recreation, Exercise, Community, Education, Social Service) is a YMCA of Greenville signature program serving adults with disabilities by fostering community involvement and developing job, independent living, and self-advocacy skills. The list of programs goes on and on, including Water Safety Week, Team Sports, YMCA Camp Greenville, after-school child care, and no one is turned away from any of our programs due to the inability to pay based on demonstrated need.
My family joined the YMCA after receiving a simple invitation. We have chosen to stay, and I have chosen to serve the YMCA, due to the blessings my family has received during our time at the YMCA. You see, after recognizing all the YMCA has provided for my family, I can’t help but feel an obligation to share these same experiences with others in our community. Last year, generous donors allowed 8,000 families and individuals in our community experience the YMCA has to offer.
Please give to this year’s Annual Campaign so the YMCA of Greenville can continue to open doors for those in need. It’s easy to give. Visit ymca.org/give to donate online; Text “Give” to 41444 or Call Geoff Taylor at 864-242-1111 ext. 59.
• Dan Eller is one of the founding partners of Eller Tonnsen Bach law firm in Greenville, South Carolina. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Erskine College in 2000 and completed his legal training at Campbell University in 2003. Dan became licensed in both North and South Carolina and has continued to practice law in both jurisdictions for over a decade. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greenville, Dan serves as an elder at Greenville Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church. Dan enjoys spending time at home with his wife Laura and their three children, Blaine, Ben, and Sarah Quincy.