Carolyn Velikan’s daughter Kelly accepts the Triangle of Honor award from YMCA CEO David O’Leary during the organization’s 38th annual Heritage Club Dinner at The Oaks Club on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA hosted its 38th annual Heritage Club Dinner at The Oaks Club, bringing together individuals who have committed to supporting the YMCA Endowment Fund through gifts of cash, securities, or estate planning provisions.
The Heritage Club ensures the continued support of the YMCA’s mission in the Sidney and Shelby County community for years to come.
The evening began with socializing and appetizers, followed by an invocation led by Pastor Harry Peterson of Cornerstone Church Sidney. YMCA Board President Craig Albers and CEO David O’Leary welcomed attendees, with this year’s theme centered around the 40th Anniversary of the YMCA Child Development Center.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2024 Triangle of Honor Award, the YMCA’s highest recognition, to Carolyn Velikan, the founding director of the Y’s Child Development Center. O’Leary praised Velikan’s visionary leadership, noting that she played a critical role in shaping the center’s success. “Carolyn’s passion for early childhood education and her high standards laid the foundation for what our center has become today,” O’Leary said.
Sadly, Velikan’s life was cut short by cancer in November of 1996, but her work continues to positively impact children and families in Sidney and Shelby County.
Velikan’s daughter, Kelly Nadeau, accepted the award on her behalf. The plaque, which will be displayed at the YMCA, reads: “Every child should have a safe place to go where they can develop into the best version of themselves.”
The Child Development Center, which opened in January 1984 with just three children, was the result of years of planning by the YMCA Board. By October of the same year, the center had grown to serve 55 children, validating the need for high-quality childcare in the community.
CEO O’Leary recognized the individuals who served on the Board during this pivotal time. A commemorative plaque honoring their contributions will be displayed at the YMCA.
Over the past four decades, the YMCA Child Development Program has navigated numerous challenges and seized opportunities for growth. These include expanding preschool facilities in 1991, introducing the Infant and Toddler Program in 1993, and launching Child Care West in 1997.
Despite financial challenges in 2009-2011, the program thrived, achieving a 3-Star Rating from Ohio’s Step Up To Quality initiative in 2017 and continuing its growth with the addition of a 7,700-square-foot infant and toddler facility, slated for completion in 2025.
Reflecting on the YMCA’s mission, O’Leary said, “The vision of the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA is to help people live better lives, and this commitment drives everything we do. It’s why we launched our $12 million ‘Building A Legacy For Tomorrow Capital Campaign’ in 2022, with the Child Development Center expansion as the first phase.”
O’Leary also honored the Shelby County United Way, presenting a special recognition for their 40-year partnership with the YMCA. “The United Way has been an integral partner from the very beginning,” he said. “Their support has helped us serve more children and families, and their ongoing commitment has provided over $3.4 million to assist our Child Development Center. It is no exaggeration to say that without the United Way, our program would not be where it is today.”
For more information about the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA Heritage Club or to inquire about the Triangle of Honor Committee, please contact YMCA CEO David O’Leary at (937) 492-9134. Nominations for the 2025 Triangle of Honor Award are now being accepted.
