Good evening everyone, and thank you Angie [Reese-Hawkins]. It's a pleasure to be here tonight to celebrate the many successes of the Metropolitan Washington YMCA and its contributions to our community. I'm delighted that the Freddie Mac Foundation has had a part in some of those successes, and I'm happy to share the evening with so many others who have played a vital role. My congratulations to tonight's volunteer award winners. Each of you has shown incredible dedication to your local YMCA, and your service is deeply appreciated.

One of the notable successes of recent months was the opening of a new YMCA in Ward 8 — the YMCA Capital View. The opening of that facility marks a new era in that neighborhood — an era of revitalization and new partnerships in the community. For many of us in this room, the YMCA is almost synonymous with the word community. The YMCA was the place in our childhood where we found after-school camaraderie, summer camp activities or Saturday morning swimming lessons. It was the place where the community could come together to take part in educational programs that expanded our horizons or just plain have some fun. The Y has long played an important role in shaping young people's lives and providing a place for families to spend special moments together. It was a place that we always knew was safe and inviting.

As I reflected on some of my own memories, I could feel the excitement and eagerness of the youngsters who will make the halls of the YMCA Capital View come alive with laughter and activity in the days and years to come.

For many children and families, this Y will be an oasis — providing a safe, happy environment to dream, play, and learn. Capital View is already serving over 100 children — children who would otherwise have no place to go — with services such as before and after school care, homework assistance, storytelling, fitness classes and access to computers. These services will open new doors and create new chances to grow and experience the world.

The computer lab that we are funding at Capital View also will provide year-round access to the wonders of technology for the children of Ward 8 — opening doors to a brighter future. Many of us take technology and computer literacy for granted. We have computers in our homes and at work. Many of us even have a hand-held computer in our purse or briefcase. But for the children of that neighborhood, computer literacy is anything but assured. These children do not have computers at home. The vast majority of their parents are not computer savvy. And in today's world, we know that mastering technology is vital to our children's success — success in school … attending college … qualifying for a decent job … in short, having access to the tools of a brighter, more prosperous future. The computer lab at Capital View will help these young people attain and master the computer skills they will need in order to be successful.

Our partnership with the Y and the grant we're making tonight will also expand services at the YCARE program in Reston. Through this expansion, an additional 220 children ages 6 - 12 will have access to this enriching after-school program. The YCARE program focuses on children's development by helping them build strong relationships with adults, improve academic performance, participate in their communities, and set goals that build self-esteem, communication, social and critical thinking skills. One hundred students who are from financially at-risk families will have the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program at no cost. The Freddie Mac Foundation is proud to partner with the YMCA to help these young people get off to a strong academic start.

So tonight, I'd like to present this check for $150,000 from the Freddie Mac Foundation to YMCA Chair Jud Sommer and President and CEO Angie Reese-Hawkins.

With this investment in the community, we look forward to watching even more children play, learn, and grow and have a world of opportunity opened to them.

Thank you.