John Druce, a Boothbay Region YMCA member for over 60 years, has volunteered to be the Y’s 2014 Annual Fund Drive Chairman

Charlotte, John’s beautiful wife of nearly 70 years, and he honeymooned on Pratts Island, Southport. They rented a cottage there for the next six years, and finally purchased a home on Spruce Point. For the following 35 years, they (along with their children) became the proud owners and operators of Spruce Point Inn.

Throughout their time in this community, both John and Charlotte Druce have been actively involved in the Boothbay Region YMCA. In fact, they helped build it by serving on the Y’s board of trustees and Y committees, including fundraising.

“Capital fundraising was at its prime back then as the community needed money to build our Y. It took a community back then as it still does today,” Druce said.

Beyond the building: It’s Y Magic!

Fast forward 60-plus years and Druce continues to fundraise for the Y. Not for bricks, mortar and wood; he’s now asking for donations on behalf of people — the working people, retirees, children, teens and seniors — people of all ages, shapes and sizes who use the Y. It’s the magic that happens at the Y everyday from a cup of coffee, social activities, music and dance, to children attending Camp Knickerbocker.

As the 2014 YMCA Annual Fund Chairman who swims five days a week in the pool, Druce said, “No other business on this peninsula has the same magical impact on our children, families, adults and seniors as our YMCA.”

Did you know in 2013, our Y provided more than $546,000 in financial assistance, subsidized programs and outreach touching over 700 people? How about this: 295 volunteers contributed over 7,190 hours at the front desk, coaching, leading programs, organizing special events and serving on committees? More magic!

Finally, think about this: The Y is not-for-profit, it’s for people. The Y focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility to strengthen the foundation of our community.

Druce invites the community to help spread the magic of our Y. The Y needs our dollars to provide financial assistance and to subsidize membership rates and programs which ultimately make our Y affordable to all.

Please add your magic by sending in your gift today. Gifts may be made payable to the Boothbay Region YMCA, P.O. Box 500, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 or by contacting Andy Hamblett at 207-633-2855.