MetroWest YMCA Celebrates Community Award Winners at 2025 Annual Meeting

At the YMCA, we believe in the power of people—those who lift others, inspire change, and create communities where everyone can thrive. At our recent Community Awards Celebration, we had the joy of recognizing a group of outstanding individuals and partners whose commitment and contributions embody the very heart of our mission to strengthen spirit, mind, and body for all.

These honorees have gone above and beyond in their service, advocacy, and leadership. Whether through volunteering, philanthropy, or daily acts of kindness, they have helped transform our Y into a space of Achievement, Relationships, and Belonging—a home away from home where goals are met, friendships flourish, and everyone feels seen and valued.

Community Partner and Community Champion Awards

The MetroWest YMCA Community Partner Award is presented to an organization that has partnered to strengthen our Y and the kids and families we serve. We honored the Marathon Coalition and its Coach, Rick Muhr, with this award. Coach Rick and the Marathon Coalition provide training, support, encouragement, and assistance for our marathon team. Over the past 10 years, together we have helped more than 140 runners achieve their dream of completing the Boston Marathon, created life-long friendships and connections with other charity teams, and raised more than $1M to support the work of our Y, impacting thousands of children and families.

The Community Champion Award honors businesses and organizations that go above and beyond in their partnership with the MetroWest YMCA—strengthening our mission through philanthropy, volunteerism, and hands-on support.

This year, we are proud to recognize ADI Contracting, owned and operated by David Pietrowicz.

For over 20 years, Dave has been an essential partner to the Y, working tirelessly behind the scenes to care for and maintain our facilities and grounds. From emergency repairs to major renovations, Dave has always answered the call—bringing not just his expertise, but his heart.

“We are so grateful to honor the Marathon Coalition and ADI Contracting—two remarkable partners whose commitment to our mission truly amplifies our impact across the MetroWest community,” said Rick MacPherson, President and CEO of the MetroWest YMCA. “The Marathon Coalition, through years of dedication, teamwork, and purpose-driven fundraising, has helped power critical programs that change lives—one mile, one person at a time. Coach Muhr’s leadership and heart have inspired not just runners, but all of us working for a stronger, healthier community. ADI Contracting, our Community Champion, consistently steps up with generosity and hands-on support, helping to ensure that every child and family we serve has the resources and opportunities they deserve. These partnerships embody the very spirit of community and the public good, and we are honored to walk alongside them.”

Volunteer of the Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to a YMCA Volunteer who shares the Y's vision to strengthen the community and actively engages in community efforts to make that vision a reality.

This year's award goes to Tammy Perlman. Tammy began volunteering with one of our food service partners, Loving Spoonfuls, and then with our Y during a holiday gift basket drive in November of 2023. For that effort, she helped arrange more than 40 food baskets for Y members. Since then, she has been a weekly presence at our Y, supporting our food service efforts by unloading food, gleaning and sorting donated items, stocking shelves, handing out food in the on-site pantry, and helping to prepare healthy meals for youth at our Y. She has also assisted in other fundraising efforts, such as our Healthy Kids Day and the Indoor Triathlon each year.

“Tammy always answers the call when the Y needs help, showing up with a smile on her face and a positive attitude,” said Joanna Jones, Volunteer Coordinator for the MetroWest YMCA, “We are grateful for all that she does to support our families while also working full time and caring for her family”

Changemaker Awards

Our Changemaker Award recognizes remarkable young leaders who have truly made a difference at our YMCA and serve as role models for children in our programs. This year's Changemaker Awards went to Ethan Provost and Lauren Shaevitz.

Lauren Shaevitz first encountered our Y as a young child who learned to swim in our pool. In 2023, she was accepted into our Changemaker Academy, a sixteen-week paid internship and workforce development program that helps teens develop leadership, interpersonal, and job-related skills for the future. As part of her internship, Lauren worked in the Aquatics Department. After completing her internship, she then completed a Lifeguard Certification training at the Y - an intensive program that taught her how to prevent and effectively respond to aquatic emergencies.  Today, she works at our Y as a swim instructor, teaching her own classes. She credits the Y with giving her the opportunity to build her skill set and gain confidence through employment that has allowed her to become financially independent and grow to be a more patient, better person.

“Lauren not only teaches our youngest swimmers vital water safety skills, but helps them build self-confidence and a love of swimming,” said Lisa Mandozzi, Executive Director of the Framingham Branch. “It takes a special person to develop the trust of a three-year-old who is terrified of getting into the water. Lauren is patient and kind, and has helped so many preschoolers get over their fear.”

Ethan Provost is, quite literally, a child of the YMCA. Beginning his journey at just 2.9 years old in the Early Learning Center, Ethan has been part of the MetroWest YMCA family for over 14 years. From his earliest days in preschool to his current role as a Counselor at Camp Carol, Ethan has grown alongside the Y, gaining not only life skills like swimming, archery, and public speaking but also a deep-rooted sense of belonging and purpose.
He brings with him a contagious passion, unwavering excitement, and a strong belief in the YMCA’s mission. Ethan is always eager to contribute and embodies the Y’s core values—Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility—in every role he takes on.

He will be honored with his Changemaker Award at an upcoming summer day camp training for counselors and camp leadership on June 7. 

To our award winners: thank you. You are more than partners—you are the heroes in our shared story. With your help, the Y continues to be a guide on the journey to wellness, purpose, and community for thousands of members every year.

Let us all be inspired by your example and commit to building a better us—for today, and for generations to come.