Highlights from the 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth
From inspiring stories to powerful moments of connection, the 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth brought together community leaders, advocates, donors, and families who believe in creating brighter futures for children across Berks County.
These highlights capture just a glimpse of the energy, generosity, and impact shared throughout the morning. Because of supporters like you, more youth and families will have access to programs that help them learn, grow, and thrive.
Because of You
Together, our community raised $115,000 during the 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth in support of programs that help children and families across Berks County learn, grow, and thrive.
The need continues long after the event ends, and every gift helps create opportunities for youth and families across our community.
The Stories Behind the Impact
Champion for Youth 2026 Honorees

Richard Palmer was a dedicated volunteer and board member of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County that led the efforts to bring the Reading YMCA back to its former glory after the 1985 fire that devastated the building.
Wynton Butler
Thank you for your commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Your ability to bring people together, inspire progress, and lead with purpose has created lasting impact throughout Reading. Your legacy is one of generosity, vision, and meaningful change.
James Sternbergh rebooted the YMCA after the Civil War and put the Y in a position to maintain its presence in the community.
Dr. Susan Looney, Ed.D., J.D., MBA
Thank you for your unrelenting faith and unwavering guidance, which are an inspiration to those around you. Your dedication to education and passion for uplifting others continue to open doors, strengthen our community and create pathways for future generations to succeed.
Largely credited for the Y headquarters in Reading, James “Jere” Edwards served as General Secretary 1889-1933. By creating a central branch, he created a space where youth were well served.
Doug Dahms
Thank you for your lifelong commitment to youth in Berks County. You have created a space where youth are well-served in their classrooms, on the field, and on trips where they can grow their horizons. From academia to athletics, you’ve imparted knowledge, helped students develop skills, instilled confidence, and inspired them to reach their full potential. Thanks to you, countless students can make a positive difference in our community.
Recognizing an outstanding young leader who has shown initiative, creativity, and resilience in driving positive change and inspiring those around them, helping to improve their community.
Beloved Lenora Pair
The Y is proud of your impressive qualities of leadership, and encourages you to keep reaching for new heights. We recognize you for your exceptional potential, emerging talents, and exemplary character you demonstrate, which inspires others to achieve greatness.
The Red Triangle Award represents the rich historic legacy and successes that the Y has had in helping its communities for more than a century. The original logo used the red triangle, the strongest geometric shape, to symbolize strength of the mind, body and spirit.
- Schlouch Incorporated, Barry Schlouch
Thank you for the meaning work you do to build more than land. You help build futures. Your impact is rooted in progress, stewardship, and a lasting investment in the people of Berk
- Mid Penn Bank
Thank you for your generosity and dedication to making a difference in our community. Your support helps ensure that individuals and families have access to the programs and resources they need to grow, thrive, and succeed.
Celebrate the Impact. Invest in the Future.
The Breakfast of Champions for Youth brings together community leaders, advocates, partners, and supporters who believe every child and family deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
This signature event highlights the impact of YMCA programs, the stories that inspire us, and the collective support that helps strengthen communities across Berks County.
Together, We Made This Possible
Every sponsorship helped create moments of belonging, support, confidence, and opportunity for the people we serve every day.
Thank you for investing in the future of our community through the YMCA of Reading & Berks County.
Legacy Partners
Dorothy M. Haas Charitable Trust
M&T Bank
Visionary Partner
Precor
Mission Partners
- Alarm Tech Systems, Inc.
- Artsana USA, LLC Chicco
- Customers Bank
- East Penn
- EHD
- Holly Gerke
- UGI Energy Services
Impact Partners
- Barley Snyder Attorneys At Law
- Blinck Studios
- The Borkey Family
- Burkey Construction
- Canteen Berks
- Cherry Bekaert
- Fulton Bank
- The Gulati Family Foundation
- Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys
- Michael & Diane Duff
- Mid Penn Bank
- Penske Truck Leasing Co.
- Penn State University / Penn State Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center
- Reading Area Community College
- Reading Hospital – Tower Health
- Reading Beneficial Association
- RKL
- Schlouch, Inc.
- Smith | Bukowski
- Solve IT Solutions, LLC
- Weik Capital Management
Y Mission Moments
Behind every YMCA program is a story of growth, opportunity, and impact. Mission Moments highlight how the lives of these individuals and their families were changed through the Y’s work.
Read these relatable stories and see the difference your support makes.
Acknowledging Our Past Honorees
Craig Poole
John Muir
Mark Rozzi
Christopher Fransisco-Martinez
Dorothy Haas Charitable Trust
Customers Bank
East Penn Manufacturing
Robert Kerper
Anita Chaney
Christine Wullert
Richard Palmer
Janice Miller
Michael O’Pake
Jay Sidhu
Albert Boscov
Severin Fayerman
Ned Diefenderfer
Joanne M. Judge
William Buckholz
P. Michael Ehlerman
Christopher Pruitt
Carl Herbein
Bruce Smith
Daniel Huyett
Hamid Chaudhry
Craig Poole
John Gallen, Jr.
Dick Ehst
James Boscov
Michael Duff
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
7:00 AM Check-in & Buffet Opens | 7:30- 9 AM Program
DoubleTree by Hilton Reading
701 Penn Street, Reading, Pa. 19601
Validated Parking in DoubleTree Garage
Attend the Breakfast
For Y Annual Support Partners, seats are included in sponsor levels. For individual seats, we suggest a minimum donation of $100/seat.
We’re counting the days!



