For Immediate Release
March 1, 2011
Contact: Ashley Zarle
YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg
W: 727-895-9622 C: 727-637-3776
[email protected]
Sanchez Family Foundation Donates
$5,000 to the YMCA Dance Program
St. Petersburg,
Petersburg, Fla. – March 1, 2011 –The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is pleased to
announce that the Sharon & Richard Sanchez Family Foundation has donated $5,000 in
support of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg Dance Program. This generous contribution
will help provide scholarships to children and adults who might otherwise not be able to
afford participation in the dance program.
The Sharon & Richard Sanchez Family Foundation is dedicated to supporting and promoting
arts and educational programs within Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. The foundation’s
main focus is to provide benefits for underprivileged children living in the Tampa Bay area
and present them with opportunities that would not otherwise be available. This past
spring, the Foundation partnered with the Tampa Bay Rays for a “Caught Looking”
promotion that provided eye exams and glasses to underprivileged children in the area,
many of whom were YMCA scholarship recipients. The Sharon & Richard Sanchez Family
Foundation is supportive of many organizations including Operation Homefront, Children’s
Dream Fund, Moffitt Cancer Center, and the American Red Cross, just to mention a few.
The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg Dance Program is currently operated out of the Jim &
Heathers Gills YMCA located at 3200 1st Ave South in St. Petersburg. The YMCA Dance
Program offers a variety of classes including tap, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, and jazz for
children and adults of all ages. The program, led by dance instructor Kelly Marshall, has
become increasingly well known in the area and is currently providing dance instruction to
nearly 150 participants each month. On average, the YMCA Dance Program provides
scholarship assistance to approximately 15% of its dancers allowing them to participate in
the program at low or no cost to them. With a focus on youth development, healthy living,
and social responsibility, the Y works to nurture the potential of every child and teen,
improve the nation’s health and well-being, and give back and support our neighbors.
“We are very thankful for the support the Sanchez Family Foundation has shown our
YMCA”, said David W. Jezek, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.
“Because of their generosity, more children and adults in our community will have the
opportunity to learn and enjoy the art of dance.”
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The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has helped people in this community for more than 90
years. Focusing on the spirit, mind and body through programs that are built on JudeoChristian principles, the YMCA has met the ever-changing needs of children and families
throughout the surrounding communities. The YMCA is a not-for-profit, charitable
organization with facilities open to all people regardless of religion, race, income, age,
ability, or gender.