Hailing from South Africa, Jacques Wieciech, who was recently promoted to the role of Senior Director of Fitness for our Y, came to America in 2012 to study opera. Although one might not readily pair a love of opera with a passion for fitness, Jacques is very much his own man who seems to define life on his own terms. Fortunately for us, those terms include a passion for helping others and for bringing his many talents together to support the Y community. In what has now become an annual tradition, Jacques has been bringing his operatic singing talents to the Y in Pasadena (and other Ys as well) this month, peddling and singing in support of the Rally for the Y, raising money with every mile to help Send a Kid to Camp.
Says Jacques, “my favorite thing about the Rally for the Y is sitting on a bike and singing because when I sit and sing, it makes people stop and wonder what the heck I’m doing! Most people don’t know about the Rally and that the proceeds support local children in our community so they can experience safety, friendship and fun at Y Camp every summer.”
Rally for the Y is a national fundraiser in which members ride as many miles as they can on an Expresso Bike during the month of February, inviting their friends and family to pledge to support their efforts. It seems it's working too because Y in Central Maryland family centers are among the top 20 participating Ys in the country for money raised!
Jacques has been involved in Rally for three years, and from the sounds of it, he will be involved for many years to come! He loves it and invites others to get involved. "Even though the Rally finishes on February 28th (tomorrow), there’s still time to jump on a bike and do a few miles. Every little bit helps.”
You can sign up here or donate.
Thank you Jacques for bringing your unique and inspiring talents to our mission!
All the best,
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland