San Diego Armed Services YMCA

Serving over 9,000 active-

duty junior enlisted military
service members and their
families each month with
free programs!
February 2011 Volume 6, Issue 2

Camo for Kids

Camouflage Kids and the University of San Diego teamed
up once again for the 3rd Annual Camo for Kids at USD on
February 5th. 600 kids and their families enjoyed free ad-
mission, food, bags, T-shirts, and a full evening of family
bonding at the USD vs. Pepperdine men’s basketball game.
“We are a family with a love for basketball. We've never been
to a college game before and we're very exited to go as a fam-
ily before my husband leaves for deployment! Thank you!”

Operation Hero in 2010 Welcome

In 2010, 85 students at 5 schools
2011 is already an exciting
practiced skills to increase resiliency
year for the San Diego
and empower them to handle the
Armed Services YMCA!
many challenges of military life
through the Operation Hero Pro- In this issue_______________
gram. The ASYMCA is gearing up to
Camo for Kids…………………………..
offer the program once again in 2011. Special Event
Operation Hero in 2010………...
Youth and Community Outreach
Annual Dinner………………………....
ASYMCA Board of Management
MonteVista Holiday Dinner.…..
Special Event
Poinsettia Bowl……….................
Special Event
Stars & Stripes Tournament ..
Upcoming Special Event
Event Calendar………………………..
List of Upcoming Events

Compiled & Edited by Katie DesBois

 Page 2

On January 28th, the San

Diego Armed Services
San Diego ASYMCA Annual Dinner 1.28.11
YMCA Board of Manage-
ment, Staff, and Volun-
teers gathered for the
2011 Annual Dinner.
Board Members and key
volunteers were recog-
nized for their outstanding
service to the ASYMCA.
The ASYMCA would like to
welcome new Board
Chair, Kathie Zortman,
and all new Board Mem-
bers.

Military Volunteer of the Year: ATAN Katherine Page-Smith

Civilian Volunteer of the Year: Dian Self
Program Volunteer of the Year: Dr. Robert Sigafoes
Organizations recognized for their outstanding support for military: San Diego Yacht Club, and
America’s Finest Carpet Company
Admiral St. George Award for an organization that exemplifies Vice Admiral St. George’s tireless dedication to
the San Diego ASYMCA: Hotel Motel Association

Thank you for your generous support!

MonteVista Holiday Dinner The 4th Annual Holiday Dinner at MonteVista

Village made for a fun (and delicious!)
with the ASYMCA afternoon for military families.
 Page 3

Poinsettia
Bowl
400 active duty service members and their
guests enjoyed free admission to the 2010
Poinsettia Bowl– SDSU vs. Navy- thanks to a
generous donation from TriWest Healthcare
Alliance.

Thank you TriWest!

Please support the San Diego ASYMCA through the 15th Annual
Stars & Stripes Fishing, Golf and Music Festival!
Please contact Brittany Catton at 858-751-5755 or bcatton@asymcasd.org to donate.
100% of the proceeds from Auction Items and Sponsorships will benefit ASYMCA programs.

Calendar of events
February April
5th– Camo for Kids at USD 11th– 15th– YCO Spring Weekly Program Open House
14th– Valentine’s Day Party for Spouses of Deployed 14th– KUSI Shopping Spree
14th– KUSI Shopping Spree 16th– Healthy Kids Day
19th– Annual Father & Daughter Dance 26th– Computer Giveaway
22nd– Computer Giveaway 28th– ASYMCA Neighborhood Exchange
24th– ASYMCA Neighborhood Exchange 28th– Volunteer Orientation at NMC
24th– Volunteer Orientation at NMC
May
March 13th– KUSI Shopping Spree
9th– KUSI Shopping Spree 19th– 22nd– Cox Celebrity Championship hosted by
18th– ASYMCA/ USO Golf Tournament Drew Brees
24th– ASYMCA Neighborhood Exchange 24th– Computer Giveaway
29th– Computer Giveaway 26th– ASYMCA Neighborhood Exchange
31st– Volunteer Orientation at NMC 26th– Volunteer Orientation at NMC

We have MANY exciting events coming up this year so we thought we’d give a sneak peek at the
next few months. Don’t forget to visit our website Event Calendar for more events, updates, and
free ticket giveaways!
 Page 4

Our Latest donors and

contributors…
Point Man International
Industries
Coronado Children's Home
Societies
American Legion Post 434
Boy Scouts of Troop 648
Circle of Friends, San Diego
School of Creative &
Performing Arts
Paws for Patriots
Irene O'Callaghan
San Diego Council Navy
League of the United States
Andrew & Peggy Pheasant
Carole Littlefield & Ladies
Auxiliary to the Veterans
of Foreign Wars Post 3783
Steve Becvar
Jeff Nix
USD Athletics
Camouflage Kids
MonteVista Village
TriWest Healthcare Alliance
Southwest Airlines
Callaway Golf
Irene & Jeff Schwall

Thank you Corporate Partner Members

and Major Donors...

Sutherland Management Company

 Final thoughts...
From the Desk of Executive Director Paul Steffens:
First, let me express my personal appreciation to Peter Opsal for his sup-
port over the past two years. As the Chair of the SDASYMCA Board of
Management, Peter provided solid management that enabled this organi-
zation to reach new heights and set records in assisting military families.
His energy, imagination and can-do attitude motivated everyone to think
out of the box. While he passed the Chair’s responsibilities to our new
Chair, we are thankful that Peter remains on the board with the same pas-
sion he had as the Chair. Let me also welcome our new Chair, Kathie
Zortman, who brings equal passion for supporting military families to the
position. I welcome the opportunity to work with Kathie to continue seek-
ing innovative avenues that lead to imaginative programs to support our
men and women in uniform and their families. Welcome Aboard Madam
Chair!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I also want to welcome our new Board of Management members and our
new Civilian Advisory Committee members. We are eager for the new
ideas you bring to our operation and we welcome your hands-on partici-
pation.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
With our annual Father & Daughter Dance taking place on 19 February, I
want to note the personal involvement of a very special individual, Irene
Schwall, who personally “got the word out” to the community to donate
ball gowns for young ladies to wear to the dance and “wow” their dads.
Thanks to Irene’s efforts, over 200 ball gowns were donated and the
young ladies had fun “shopping” for just the right gown.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
One final request… please read the information on page three regarding
the Stars and Stripes Fishing, Golf and Music Festival. To reap significant
income from this event, we need donations of auction items that we can
bundle into super packages (i.e. dinner at one of San Diego’s finest res-
taurants coupled with a two night stay in a nice San Diego hotel…) With
your assistance, this will be a major fund raiser and help us do even more
for military families. Thank you and Keep Chargin!

For more information on how YOU

can make a difference…

info@asymcasd.org
858.751.5755
www.militaryymca.org