2017 Annual Report

YMCA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Robert Shope
W
hen Bob Shope first moved to the Philadelphia
area, a friend invited him to a YMCA breakfast.
When attendees were asked to talk about their
experiences with the Y, Shope almost passed. “My first
initial thought was, ‘none’, so luckily, I didn’t go first,” he
says with a chuckle.
“But then I thought back to when my children were growing
up and how we were involved in the program at the Y that is
now known as Adventure Guides. The program gives parents
and kids a chance to bond through group activities. I also
taught myself to swim at the Y, and the experiences of other
swimmers in the pool telling me, ‘you know what, you’re
getting better,’ was powerful. For me, the Y was the place
that was welcoming and warm.”
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes
the effort and achievement of the YMCA’s
most special friends and emphasizes the need
for community service by all our citizens.
Recipients of this award have set a standard
of leadership that others follow.
6 YMCA OF GREATER BRANDYWINE
After the breakfast, Shope was asked if he would
consider becoming more involved with the YMCA. He
said yes and never looked back. “Wherever I can go and
do good, I will,” says Shope. “In life, I believe you do the
right thing, work hard and are good to people.”
“
For me, the Y was the place that
was welcoming and warm.
Since then, he has taken on several leadership roles
within the YMCA, participating in the Upper Main
Line YMCA’s merger with the YMCA of the Brandywine
Valley, the development of a Strategic Plan for the
newly merged organization and the completion of
facility upgrades that benefit our members such
as the 50 meter pool at the Upper Main Line
YMCA and renovations that included the Family
Fun Pool.
“I’m so proud to be able to go out in the
community and talk about what we do at
the Y,” Shope said.
Shope recently ended a two-year term as
Chair of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s
Board of Directors, but he will continue
to serve as a board member for several
years. “Bob is dedicated to the YMCA
and our mission. By sharing his expertise,
lending his leadership and giving generously
of his time and talent, he has enabled the
YMCA to reach new heights. It is our honor
to present him with the Distinguished Service
Award,” said Denise Day, President and CEO.
”