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Eighteen89 Puts YMCA First

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 16, 2008

Updated: 02/14/2008 07:33 pm

TAMPA - As one of the younger Interbay-Glover Family YMCA board members, Jay Kennedy was asked to help organize a young professionals group for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA in 2004.

The goal was to provide a networking and social outlet for YMCA members, get the word out about YMCA offerings, groom potential board members and provide fundraising and support for YMCA programs.

In January 2005, Kennedy helped roll out Eighteen89, named for the year the YMCA was established in Tampa. Today, the nonprofit organization has more than 50 members.

"It's made up of philanthropists who are tired of going out and partying for partying's sake," said Kennedy, 35, a real estate developer. A resident of Sunset Park, he has been a YMCA member since 1985.

The group hosts a SoHo scavenger hunt, a lake party, a kickball tournament and other social activities, but Eighteen89's main goal is keeping YMCA programs thriving.

"The YMCA is really run more like a community center," Kennedy said.

The organization provides recreational activities and promotes physical and emotional health. No one is turned away because of financial status.

Last year, scholarships totaling $281,373 were provided to Interbay-Glover families.

"By spotlighting the many programs that are less-known in the community, we hope to help people find additional resources for themselves and for others they may know," said Eighteen89 President Valerie DiVecchio, a board member since 2007. She lives in Bayside West and is president of Divine Creations Event Planning Specialists.

Last year, Eighteen89 helped the Brandon area YMCAs by collecting about $6,000 in donated school supplies for the migrant community. It raised $14,000 with a bowl-a-thon for the YMCA's Teen Success Center at Harris Temple United Methodist Church in north Tampa.

This year, it's focused on helping Interbay-Glover's adaptive programs for mentally or physically challenged youngsters. It will host another bowl-a-thon Feb. 23, with proceeds going to buy special-needs sports equipment.

"Eighteen89 is a great networking opportunity for young professionals, as well as having a fun, social side," DiVecchio said. "Our motto for 2008 is '20-something, 30-something, Doing Something?' because we all want to have fun but still understand the importance of helping others and giving back to the community."

IF YOU GO

WHO: Eighteen89, young professionals group of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA

WHAT: Second annual Bowl-a-Thon to benefit the adaptive programs at Interbay- Glover

WHEN: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23

WHERE: Pin Chasers, 5555 W. Hillsborough Ave.

CONTACT: Nicole Wooldridge at (813) 597-5294 or www.eighteen89.com

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 835-2114 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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