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Jan. 30, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Recently I received a letter from the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, parent organization to the Rockbridge Area YMCA. After thanking me for my “generous support” in 2022, the “Vice President of Development” continued: “… the Y does so much … to strengthen the communities it serves …” Not lately, Madame Vice President. The popular director of the Rockbridge Area YMCA was terminated in a corporate ambush with no justification given. In doing so, regional executives thumbed their noses at Rockbridge County, Lexington, the local board of directors, the employees, membership and area youth. Consequently, our aspirations for a new building are crippled. As of last November, the same executives had endorsed the enterprise. So much for development and strengthening communities.
In support of our fired director, the board and members invited the regional executives to meet with us and account for their actions. They accepted. Then they reneged. Had they attended, we would have pointed out how petty, vindictive, damaging and imperious their process was.
The letter goes on to solicit “continued support.” Not likely. I and many others at the Rockbridge YMCA have suspended our donations. If decency is not enough to guide the larger organization, maybe lost revenue will be.
JOHN SAPPINGTON Rockbridge County
