YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The YMCA of Youngstown will host its second annual Central YMCA Gala from 5-9 p.m. Thursday at the Maronite Center, 1555 S. Meridian Road.
This year’s event will honor Warren Harrell, whose relationship with the YMCA dates back to 1948, when he was a member of the West Federal Branch. At the time, segregation shaped institutions and opportunities throughout the community, and the West Federal Branch served Black members who were excluded from other YMCA facilities. Against that backdrop, the Y became an important part of Harrell’s life and a connection he has carried forward for decades.
Harrell served in the U.S. Army as a radar technician with the Screaming Eagles anti-aircraft unit. He later dedicated 32 years to the U.S. Postal Service, retiring as a postmaster. His commitment to service continued at the YMCA, where he has served on the board of trustees for 26 years.
“This event gives us a special opportunity to honor the people who helped shape our YMCA while looking ahead to the community we want to build together. Warren Harrell represents an extraordinary legacy of service, perseverance and commitment to the Y,” said D’Aundray Brown, executive director at the Central YMCA, “We’re excited to celebrate him and to bring together people who believe, as Warren has demonstrated for so many years, in the power of investing in one another and in our community.”
Proceeds from the gala will support the YMCA of Youngstown’s programs.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the YMCA’s website.