The Olympic Peninsula YMCA has created the Dennis Watson Spirit of TEAM Memorial Fund and Grant to honor a longtime board member, volunteer and financial supporter.
Dennis Watson died of cancer at his Sequim home Dec. 7. He was 67.
During his 18 years as a YMCA board member, Watson led the charge for the YMCA Middle School Program TEAM devoted to encouraging eighth-graders to improve their communication and team-building skills, increase their leadership and grow as more compassionate individuals, officials said.
“Dennis was a true believer in the power of team building,” said Olympic Peninsula YMCA CEO Len Borchers.
“He encouraged young people to consider how the tone and intention of their communication impacted their ability to build a happy, healthy and vibrant community. He believed that young people, if given the opportunity, could play a vital role in making our communities kinder and more inclusive.
“His presence and the energy he brought to our Y programs will be deeply missed,” Borchers said.
Serving on the board of the Y, Dennis was integral to the opening of the Sequim location and was delighted to see the expansion of recreation for Sequim youths, his family said in his obituary.
Contributions to the Dennis Watson Spirit of TEAM Memorial Fund and Grant will be used to offer annual grants to Olympic Peninsula youth group leaders, teachers and those who are developing programs or projects for middle school students.
Individuals or groups with a program or project idea for middle school students that upholds the ideals of the Y and promotes team building, encourages inclusion or fosters good communication will be encouraged to apply.
A committee of former co-workers, teen program alumni, friends and family have come together to carry this effort forward in partnership with the YMCA.
“It is our opportunity to carry Dennis’ legacy forward,” said Christine Loewe, memorial fund committee member and former YMCA Teen Program director.
“His dedication to young people in our community was exceptional, and he always was willing to throw his weight behind those creating meaningful opportunities.
“He believed in the potential of others to make a difference, and now we have the opportunity to support those with fresh ideas for youth development through the fund and granting program,” Loewe said.
A call for applications will open in September, and the YMCA expects to award $3,000 in funds in October.
“I regularly run into community members who participated in programs with Dennis, and invariably they talk about what a positive impact these programs had on their lives,” Loewe said.
“I hope they will join me in investing in the fund so that our next generation of local youth will have similar opportunities.”
To learn more about the fund and grant, see www.olympicpeninsulaymca.org or call 360-452-9244.
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Terry Ward, publisher of the Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum, serves on the Olympic Peninsula YMCA board of directors.
Eighth-graders from the YMCA TEAM Program participate in a trust circle during a weekend retreat in 2003.
