Kevin Bolding
Former Executive Director
A building conceived by Detroit, built by Detroit and for the people of Detroit.
Why is the YMCA important to the Detroit community?
The Boll Family YMCA has always been for the people of Detroit. I will be forever proud of the looks on our members’ faces when we first opened. The amazement, the awe and the pride that we had built a new home for them. A one-of-a-kind celebration of Detroit and its people. A building conceived by Detroit, built by Detroit and for the people of Detroit.
How has the YMCA impacted your life personally?
That first board of advisors for Boll Family YMCA will always be special to me. Detroiters who knew our history and pushed our staff to be better. The friendships and relationships developed during that time continue to be very special to me.
What’s your favorite memory from your time at the YMCA?
A couple months after our grand opening gala, Judge Allen, the first board chair, sent me a piece of the ceremonial ribbon that was cut that evening with a very personal letter. In that letter he stated, “My enthusiasm for the ‘Y’ is driven in large part because the Y is one place where we have moved away from the unhealthy divisions in our community.”
I still cherish that letter and that little piece of red ribbon. Those words remain timely and inspirational.
In one sentence, what does the YMCA mean to you?
I’ve had the pleasure of opening and leading many YMCAs in my 30+ years in the Y Movement, but know that the Boll Y will always be my Y.
If you had to describe the YMCA community in three words, what would they be?
Proud. United. Family.