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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

Reading, Pa., May 12, 2026

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 in its annual support fundraising 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.

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.

“This morning is a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together around a common purpose,” 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 Stories Behind the Mission

Shared during the 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth, this video highlights the real stories behind the YMCA’s impact across Berks County.

The YMCA honored 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
  • James Sternbergh Faith & Guidance Award: Susan Looney, Reading Area Community College
  • Jere Edwards Spirit of Youth Award: Doug Dahms, Wilson High School
  • Red Triangle Awards: Schlouch Incorporated, Barry Schlouch and Mid Penn Bank
  • Eugene Shirk Youth Leadership Award: Beloved Lenora Pair

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.

For 167 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has served as a cornerstone of the community, helping individuals of all ages connect, grow, and thrive. Today, the Y serves thousands annually through five branches, early learning centers, youth programs, wellness initiatives, and transitional housing services.

To learn more about supporting the YMCA of Reading & Berks County or its mission-driven programs, visit www.YMCArbc.org.

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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