Angie L. Reese-Hawkins and Randall Eley of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington present the Crystal Y Award for Foundation of the Year to the Freddie Mac Foundation's Arthur Dade.
The Freddie Mac Foundation was honored this week with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington's Foundation of the Year award for its community contributions in support of local YMCA efforts to assist children and families in need.
Community Relations Manager Arthur Dade accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation. "It's a particular honor to receive this award from the YMCA, a pillar of the community for nearly 150 years," Arthur said. He emphasized that the YMCA is almost synonymous with the word community, and is a place where children can come together in a safe, fun, educational environment to expand their horizons. "As a partner and investor, we look upon your [YMCA] successes as our successes."
Last year, the Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to YMCA Fairfax County Reston to provide scholarships to low-income children so they could participate in a technology-based after-school program at the branch. This year, it doubled the grant to $50,000. Combined with a Virginia Department of Education's 21st Century grant, the funds enable the Reston YMCA to provide a year-round program to 100 low-income, at-risk children at Dogwood Elementary.
The Foundation also awarded a $100,000 capital grant to YMCA Capital View to fund a 25-station computer lab. The lab will serve children and seniors from wards seven and eight in Washington, D.C.
