Ribbon-cutting: David Brandon (first from left) along with many community donors and supporters who made the facility possible.
It was unlike your typical ribbon-cutting events. The community came together over a heartfelt ceremony celebrating the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA’s expansion yesterday. The $3.3 million, nearly 10,000 square feet of program space features a 5,000 square feet fieldhouse named in honor of the late Dana K. “Girlie” Brandon, a well-known community leader.
It features two new multipurpose rooms, which will serve middle schoolers, Teen Leaders and active older adults; “The Zone,” a space for teen programming, a multipurpose room that will host yoga and Pilates classes and the innovative POWER ZONE—a new space for functional fitness training. Former Speaker of the House, Chris Sprowls was in attendance along with David Brandon, his family, community leaders and YMCA of the Suncoast leadership.
Sprowls spoke about the importance of the YMCA.
“We need more places like the YMCA where families can come together. Where we have something that brings us in and that is a sense of community. With so much social media and technology out there, our kids do need more places like the YMCA. The YMCA lifts people. Years from now when people talk about the events that will take place here and the memories created – you all made it possible.”
“When it comes to a model of service, you need not look further than the Brandon family. Whether it’s the library, our parks/recreation and Pinellas YMCAs, we’ve all been the beneficiaries of the Brandon family’s legacy. This opportunity to honor Dana is amazing, to see people who grew up with the Brandons, and love them.” Sprowls added.
David Brandon was touched by the emotional tributes for his late wife, who passed away this April due to Glioblastoma.
“Dana felt we were called to a higher cause to serve others. We exceeded our fundraising goal for this project and are glad to have created an endowment now. Nobody gets turned away from the YMCA of the Suncoast. In the last 25 years, we have given out over $2M in scholarships!” Brandon noted.
G. Scott Goyer, President & CEO, YMCA of the Suncoast appreciated all the donors, supporters, Palm Harbor staff and everyone involved in making the project a reality, especially the Brandons.
“The Brandon family has not just meant a lot to the YMCA, but they are dear friends. To be able to recognize Dana, who is the unsung hero of the family – always supporting David’s efforts behind the scenes - has been great. This is not just about a building, it’s about the kids and the adults using our facilities. We are so happy to have this facility completed.”
Seth Milbrand, District Vice President, Greater Palm Harbor YMCA was ecstatic with the turnout.
“It was amazing to see how many community leaders, advocates, and friends of the YMCA came to celebrate our new capacity to serve more people. It was also touching to experience the many who joined us to specifically dedicate the Dana K. "Girlie" Brandon Fieldhouse. Dana's legacy of improving lives in our community will be forever remembered due to the generosity of the many donors who pulled together to name our fieldhouse after her. I'm thrilled that our event brought together so many in our community.”
Speaking of community, join us this Saturday, June 22nd for a free Community Celebration and Pool Party commemorating the expansion from 10am - 2pm. There will be an open house for everyone to explore new facility spaces, meet our dedicated staff and experience firsthand the incredible improvements we have made.
In addition to the tours, guests will be able to purchase food from numerous food trucks, view STEM demonstrations, enjoy live music and swim in the pool.
The Greater Palm Harbor YMCA is located at 1600 16th Street, Palm Harbor, FL.
For media queries, please contact:
Kiran Malik-Khan
Senior Communications Director
YMCA of the Suncoast
Kiran.malik-khan@tampaymca.org
813.557.5370
Published Thursday, June 20, 2024.