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YMCA of Reading & Berks County Raises More Than $110,000 Toward Annual Support Campaign at 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth

Annual event honors local leaders and organizations investing in the future of Berks County

2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County welcomed community leaders, partners, advocates, and supporters to the 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth on Tuesday morning at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, raising $110,000 so far for its annual support campaign for programs and services that strengthen youth, families, and the community across Berks County. The Y is accepting donations throughout the month online at YMCArbc.org/donate.

“This morning is a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together around a common cause,” said Ken Borkey, Jr., President & CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. “Every dollar raised and every person recognized represents an investment in belonging, opportunity, mentorship, and brighter futures for the children and families we serve.”

The annual event celebrated individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and commitment embody the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. From the national anthem performed by Schuylkill Valley School District students to the performances by Reading YMCA Early Childcare Center’s Pre-K students, the event reinforced the spirit of youth confidence and achievement.

Along the lines of celebrating youth champions, Borkey recognized the Reading Y Swim Team for its record-breaking performance at the recent National Championship. Winning first place in the 200 freestyle, Owen Eisenhofer won the first national individual championship in Reading Y’s history. More victories followed throughout the meet for 16 dedicated athletes from schools across Berks, who are united by the Reading Y swim team.

Borkey and Y Volunteer Board Member Crystal Gilmore-Harris, the event emcee, gave awards to six outstanding changemakers whose work continues to positively impact the lives of local youth and strengthen the Berks County community:

  • Richard Palmer, Sr. Wealth & Wisdom Award: Wynton Butler, Reading School District (top left)
  • James Sternbergh Faith & Guidance Award: Susan Looney, Reading Area Community College (top middle)
  • Jere Edwards Spirit of Youth Award: Doug Dahms, Wilson High School (top right)
  • Red Triangle Awards: Schlouch Incorporated, Barry and Deb Schlouch (bottom left) and Mid Penn Bank (bottom center)
  • Eugene Shirk Youth Leadership Award: Beloved Lenora Pair (bottom right)

 

Investing in Community

Throughout the morning, attendees heard powerful stories (Y Stories Video) highlighting how YMCA programs help children and families gain access to childcare, mentorship, scholarships, swim safety, summer camp experiences, educational support, and opportunities that build confidence and lifelong skills.

Funds raised through the Breakfast of Champions directly support YMCA programs and financial assistance initiatives that ensure no child or family is turned away due to inability to pay.

Thanks to the generosity of our annual support partners, table sponsors and donors, the Breakfast of Champions has already raised $110,000. This year’s Legacy Partners were:
  • Dorothy M. Haas Charitable Trust – Represented by Richard Auman and Clair Auman. (Pictured L-R: Sinking Spring YMCA Executive Director Jesse Whiteman, Richard Auman, Clair Auman, and Y President & CEO Ken Borkey, Jr.)
  • M&T Bank

 

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

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

For 167 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has been a cornerstone in the community, putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Driven by its mission, the Y is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the community and empowering individuals by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive.

By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections among 2,700 Ys in 10,000 communities across the United States. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley. 

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