Bay Windows Fall 2025

IMPACT

BAY WINDOWS FALL 2025

IMPACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 My Experience with Silver Bay 4 The Family I Found at Silver Bay 5 Finding Value in Service 6 Finding Calm and Connection 7 Finding Home Through Hospitality 8 Double Your Donation 9 A Legacy of Love at Slim Point

10 Bayview: A New Chapter 11 Cornerstone of Tourism A Legacy of Love, Culture,

12 and Connection

Represented 13 Countries at Silver Bay

14 Large Nonprofit of the Year 15 Milestones

OUR MISSION: To cultivate relationships, strengthen communities and nurture spirit, mind and body for all.

OUR IMPACT: Because of Silver Bay YMCA, connections between people and family are stronger.

People are more connected, respectful and caring. They have the confidence to develop to their full potential and to positively impact the communities in which they work and live. As a result, communities are more dynamic, comprehensive and varied. As stewards of Lake George, we inspire people to be stewards of the environment while they are visiting our magnificent campus and in their home communities.

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MY EXPERIENCE WITH IMPACT SILVER BAY arrived, my English was basic. I struggled with slang, accents, and even small tasks like finding my luggage at the airport, despite having instructions.

Abbie McCue Before coming to Silver Bay, I was studying to be an English teacher in Mexico. I lived in a city apartment, walked to class each morning, and spent my afternoons with my daughter - playing, walking in the park, and enjoying time together.

One day, while applying for camp jobs, I unexpectedly received an email from Silver Bay expressing interest in me. I was excited!

I was eager to improve my English, and working in the U.S. seemed like the perfect opportunity. At the time, I was studying foreign languages, and I knew being immersed in another culture would help me grow. Still, I felt nervous - especially about the language barrier. When I first

And something very special happened here too: I met my husband! He worked in a different department, and over time, we became friends and eventually fell in love. Our friends at Silver Bay Arriving at Silver Bay was a big supported our relationship and cultural shift, and at first, I felt our marriage. I never imagined a little lost. But the warmth and that this place would change kindness of the people there my life so deeply - from growing helped me adjust. I was greeted professionally and learning English, with smiles, hugs, and genuine to falling in love. But it did. support. Despite the language challenges, people included me Silver Bay is more than just a camp. and even offered to help me learn It’s a place to grow, connect, English. That meant a lot to me. and experience something truly By the end of my first year, I was special. It’s where you can find hooked! friends - and even partners - for life. You learn about yourself, Silver Bay is full of life, joy, and others, and the world. It’s peaceful, connection. I met people from joyful, and full of opportunities all over the world, made new for personal growth. friends, and had unforgettable experiences. I quickly decided I I’m so grateful for everything wanted to return the next summer Silver Bay has given me. I would - and I did. I’ve now been coming recommend it to anyone back for nine years. especially other internationals like me - who are seeking a meaningful, Over the years, I’ve always felt life-changing adventure. a strong sense of community at Silver Bay. People invite you to I’m Abigail McCue, and this has gatherings, readings, dancing, been my experience with Silver Bay. and discussions. There’s always something meaningful happening, Abbie McCue and I always felt welcome. I was also invited to services by the Housekeeping Leadership Training group - while I didn’t attend every time, I always left feeling peaceful and happy.

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IMPACT

Valentina Overend

There are places that change you. And then there are places that save you. For me, Silver Bay YMCA was both.

Coming from Venezuela, where daily life was marked by uncertainty and hardship, I never imagined that a summer job could become the turning point of my entire existence. Through Silver Bay, I was granted a J1 visa — an opportunity that not only allowed me to leave a dire situation but also opened the door to a new life in the United States. That visa wasn’t just paperwork. It was a lifeline.

THE FAMILY I FOUND AT SILVER BAY the YMCA, because everyone ultimately put it into practice to build strong communities through relationships, service, and personal growth. I didn’t just witness that mission — I lived it. And I continue to live it today through my career with the YMCA, a path that began on the shores of Lake George.

— they are lifelong. Additionally, Silver Bay gave me the most incredible gift I could have ever asked for, my husband.

Silver Bay is more than a location.

It’s a home. It’s a heartbeat. It’s the place where I found safety, belonging, and the courage to build a future. My heart will always belong to Silver Bay, because it gave me more than a job — it gave me a life, a chance and all came from a loving place from each individual that I met, that touched my soul.

But the true impact of Silver Bay lies in the people. Mentors like Karyn Ryan, Trisha Winchell, Chet Lastowski and Lindsey Butler; they didn’t just supervise — they nurtured, guided, and believed in me. Erick Mendoza, still on staff, Valentina Silver Bay didn’t just offer me and Benita Reiter were more than Overend employment — it offered me colleagues — they are my chosen purpose. It was there that family. And the friendships I Former Silver Bay I discovered the mission of formed there are not seasonal Employee

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FINDING VALUE IN SERVICE

Aaron Walker with Silver Bay’s Program Team and Evenings of Dance performers.

Aaron Walker of Redding, England made his way to Silver Bay 3 years ago and is currently the supervisor of Conference Set Up. While Aaron may have only discovered the magic of Silver Bay recently, his journey on the road that led him here started long before that.

With no theatre in the town Aaron was living in, he left the industry and took another job.

Upon moving to New York, Aaron started working at Best Buy where he was able to use some of his tech skills. It wasn’t until meeting Shealy Williford, a past employee of Silver Bay, at church, that Aaron was Aaron, who has been living in introduced to Silver Bay. the States for almost 14 years, has always been interested in “Me and my partner at Best Buy theatre. “...but I always, when I stopped by in the van [while was in the theatre, spent more working in the area one day] time looking at how they were and Shealy gave us the campus doing things rather than what tour,” Aaron recalled. was actually going on onstage,” explained Aaron.

Aaron was impressed with what he saw and inquired about His youth wasn’t spent backstage potential job openings, and as though, Aaron enjoyed acting luck would have it, there was. on stage for a while, and Aaron has been working in the participated in different kinds Conference Set Up department of dance throughout college. ever since.

While in college Aaron studied Event Production, and worked “It’s not working for shareholders successfully in the industry upon to get their money. It’s working graduating, until he moved to for each other in the growth of America, specifically Ohio, at the our community,” stated Aaron. age of 22.

Specifically, Aaron recalled a time in the recent past when there was an extended power outage in the area, and Silver Bay opened its doors to the public as a warming center.

“So, it feels a lot more value.”

Aaron added, “what inspires me to stay is that every year we somehow manage to have impact with new people each year and we improve and push the ‘Y’ in an improving direction whether that’s numbers, guests, or experiences.”

“Silver Bay is special because it’s mainly focused on helping other people out. It’s not focused on making a profit, it’s focused on the people and the community it serves... So, I’m not just in it for the job, I’m truly all in it for the mission,” Aaron concluded.

Aaron Walker CSU Supervisor

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FINDING CALM AND CONNECTION IMPACT when Erick first came over county route 11 and saw the lake, he was speechless. “I was amazed by the beauty, though still a little anxious,” he remembered. But as soon as he arrived, everything shifted. “There was a calm and peaceful feeling on the property that I just can’t explain.”

Erick Mendoza If you know Silver Bay, you know it’s more than just a place, it’s a special community that feels like family. For Erick Orlando Mendoza Martinez, who came all the way from Venezuela, Silver Bay quickly became just that: a home where he could feel safe, comfortable, and truly be himself.

Erick holds a bachelor’s degree in tourism and worked as a technician back in Venezuela. But deciding to leave his home country and start a new life working in the United States was a big step. “I was really nervous about leaving Venezuela to come work here,” he shared. The drive to Silver Bay was a mix of excitement and anxiety. Like many before him,

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about myself that I never knew like that I can overcome hard experiences, and that I can use my experiences to help others.”

Drawing from his own struggles and the support he received from this caring community, Erick now feels inspired to give back.

He hopes to make the journey easier for newcomers by sharing One of the most unforgettable his knowledge and experience, parts of Erick’s experience was helping others feel as welcomed the genuine warmth of both the and supported as he did. guests and staff who embraced everyone at Silver Bay. Coming The bonds formed at Silver Bay from Venezuela, where life often run deep. The friendships Erick felt like a constant need to defend made have lasted, and over time, yourself and your stance rather the sense of family here has only than show kindness, this openness grown stronger. was a welcome and powerful change. “Meeting everyone here For Erick, Silver Bay isn’t just a was a turning point, they welcomed job or a stop along the way. It’s me with open arms.” Surrounded a place where he found peace, by a diverse community from belonging, and a new beginning.

Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Poland, Simply put, “Silver Bay feels like Russia, and beyond, Erick found home.” a place where different cultures came together in harmony. It Erick Orlando was a safe space where he could Mendoza Martinez finally be himself and share his Food Service story openly.

Silver Bay didn’t just become a place to live or work, it became a second home for Erick. He speaks with deep love for the community, describing it as the perfect place for him. “Silver Bay has allowed me to learn things

ALPER’S JOURNEY

FINDING HOME THROUGH HOSPITALITY

Alper Tunga Küçük

For Alper Tunga Küçük, Silver Bay YMCA is more than a workplace, it’s where his personal values, professional journey, and deep sense of community have all come together. Originally from Turkey, a country rich in history and culture, Alper now serves as the Dining Room and Banquet Manager, leading food and beverage operations with both passion and purpose.

Alper worked abroad in Thailand for several years in the tourism industry. But when the pandemic disrupted global travel, it became a turning point. “Covid-19 brought major challenges, but I never lost my belief in hospitality and the power of tourism.” That period pushed him to return to the U.S. and pursue what he’d always loved: food, people, and service.

“My story with Silver Bay actually began about twelve years ago,” Alper says. “During my university years in Russia, I spent three summers here as part of the seasonal staff. Each summer I returned, balancing my studies with the opportunity to work in the U.S.”

Now at Silver Bay full-time, Alper leads a growing banquets program, especially at the Mountain View Grille, a place that’s close to his heart. “What inspires me to stay at Silver Bay is the unique combination Alper Tunga of community, purpose, and environment,” he adds. Küçük “Watching the Mountain View Dining Room & Banquet Grille grow in popularity, seeing Manager

After completing his degree,

our events and weddings reach new levels of excellence... it brings me great joy.”

Even more meaningful are the friendships that have lasted over a decade. “Some of the friendships I built during my early summers here are still a part of my life today.”

“Silver Bay connects people from every corner of the globe, but it roots us in something timeless,” Alper says. “It reminds us that no matter where we come from, we can find home and each other here.”

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DOUBLE YOUR DONATION Every new dollar donated to the Fund for Silver Bay will be matched up to

$25,000

The Fund for Silver Bay helps support operational costs to ensure Silver Bay has increased longevity and sustainability. This includes: PROGRAM SUPPORT

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND COSTS

FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

EMERGENCY AND UNEXPECTED EXPENSES

Double your impact with a 3-year commitment through our double your donation program! dollar you give above your previous SILVER Every BAY YMCA 87 SILVER BAY ROAD, SILVER BAY, NY 12874 giving will be matched by generous donors, up to $25,000 per person (P)per 518.543.8833 WWW.SILVERBAY.ORG and $400,000 total year for the •next three years.

DONATE TODAY!

Campaign runs yearly from January 2025 - December 31, 2027 https://silverbay.org/donate/

WHERE OUR STORY CONTINUES A LEGACY OF LOVE AT SLIM POINT Mallika and Rolf on their wedding day in August 2025.

I’ve visited Silver Bay every summer for as long as I can remember. Each year, between major life milestones — graduating high school then college, moving from New York to California and back, getting new jobs and finally settling in Chicago — I’ve come back to Lake George. This year, I returned for another milestone: I got married at Slim Point.

Friends and family flew from the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, and across the U.S. to be with my husband Rolf and me. We were joined by loved ones who haven’t yet had their first birthdays, friends we met in Charleston when Rolf was in the Navy, classmates from our college in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and generations of family — including many who met or were married at Silver Bay. My parents married at Slim Point in 1989, and my grandparents were married in the chapel in 1959 after meeting as EMPs. Because my family from India is so far away, we brought a bit of my culture to Silver Bay with a Bollywood dance performed at the reception in the Boyd Center.

Mallika’s grandparents say “I Do” in the Helen Hughes Memorial Chapel.

Mallika’s parents on their wedding day at Slim Point.

Mallika and Rolf’s wedding party doing a Bollywood dance in the William Boyd Center.

This oasis tucked in the Adirondacks has always felt like my secret escape every summer. But I’m so glad I was able to share it with the people of different ages and cultures who have supported Rolf and me throughout our lives. I hope, like us, they’ll come back for summers to come.

Mallika Mitra Silver Bay Bride

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BAYVIEW: A NEW CHAPTER

INVEST IN SILVER BAY’S FUTURE IMPACT By renovating Bayview to create a modern and comfortable accommodation option for groups and guests, Silver Bay is predicted to generate additional revenue of over $700,000/year, or more.

On top of increased year-round revenue, these renovations will: • Allow Silver Bay to maintain a high-quality, affordable experience for generations to come.

• Increase multi-generational appeal and increased reach, participation, and financial sustainability.

• Insure sustainability of Silver Bay’s facilities.

• Meet the needs of future guests and groups.

1ST QUARTER 2ND QUARTER 3RD QUARTER 4TH QUARTER 2024 Occupancy

0%

20%

50%

8%

20%

2024 Revenue

$0

$72K

$230K

$18K

$320K

Projected Occupancy

45%

60%

75%

55%

58%

Projected Revenue

$124K

$235K

$448K

$216K

$1,023,000

Increase

$703K

Commit Today!

OUR GOAL - $5,000,000 Scan the QR Code to Commit Today.

Select ‘Bayview Campaign’ in the ‘I want to support’ section.

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TOTAL

SILVER BAY YMCA: A CORNERSTONE OF TOURISM IN THE LAKE GEORGE REGION Respectfully submitted by: Gina Mintzer & Megan Seeley Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB Tourism has long been the lifeblood of the Lake George region, shaping not only the area’s economic vitality but also the spirit of its communities.

Each year, millions visit to take in the Adirondacks’ natural beauty, discover our cultural treasures, and experience the hospitality that defines our region. At the heart of this success are institutions like Silver Bay YMCA, which embody the values of service, community, and innovation while playing a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding our tourism economy.

Silver Bay YMCA’s impact is evident in multiple dimensions of the regional tourism ecosystem.

Its lodging and conference facilities attract guests from across the United States and around the world. Families seeking a restorative vacation, groups gathering for conferences, and couples celebrating weddings all find a welcoming and professional environment on the shores of Lake George. These visits translate into overnight stays that directly benefit the lodging sector, and stimulate spending at area restaurants, shops, and attractions.

activities, arts programs, and youth development offerings, the campus delivers a wide spectrum of experiences that attract both first-time visitors and returning guests.

These amenities encourage extended stays and foster long-term visitor loyalty.

The organization also plays a vital role in sustaining the tourism workforce. By employing seasonal staff during the peak summer months and maintaining year-round positions that support ongoing operations, Silver Bay creates meaningful job opportunities for both local residents and international exchange workers.

These employees not only deliver essential services but also become ambassadors for the region, carrying their positive experiences home to their families and communities.

One of Silver Bay YMCA’s often underappreciated contributions is its support of the shoulder season economy. When many destinations experience a slowdown in visitation, Silver Bay continues to welcome conferences, retreats, and weddings. These events bring much-needed business to the Equally important is Silver Bay’s region in early spring and late leadership in outdoor recreation fall, helping stabilize revenues and experiential tourism. for local hotels, caterers, florists, With hiking trails, waterfront transportation providers, and

countless other small businesses.

In this way, Silver Bay helps smooth the seasonality that can challenge the Adirondack tourism economy.

Beyond economics, Silver Bay’s impact is felt in its community engagement.

From hosting cultural programs and wellness initiatives to opening its grounds for events that connect visitors and residents, the YMCA strengthens the fabric of the local community. These experiences create powerful memories for participants and reinforce Lake George’s reputation as a place where authentic connections are made.

As the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB, we are proud to recognize Silver Bay YMCA as a cornerstone of the regional tourism economy.

Its commitment to excellence in hospitality, recreation, workforce development, and community building exemplifies the very best of what makes our destination thrive. Silver Bay’s global reach not only draws visitors from near and far but also ensures that the impact of tourism resonates well beyond the shoreline—fueling prosperity, fostering connection, and securing the Lake George region’s place as one of the most inspiring destinations in the world.

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Marianne Burhans and her daughter Mona pose for a photo outside the old Dining Hall Circa. 2016.

A LEGACY OF LOVE, CULTURE, AND CONNECTION Marianne Burhans was a longtime seasonal staff at Silver Bay YMCA, best known and deeply loved as the International EMP Coordinator.

Alongside her husband Buzz, she served in many roles, from dorm parents in Parlin to overnights at the front desk while Buzz was nightwatchman, but it was her care for the international staff that made a lasting impact.

Each summer, many staff would say the season didn’t officially begin until Marianne arrived.

She shared her time, talent, and treasure with each student, making sure they were not only welcomed but deeply supported.

She championed the tradition of hanging national flags in the dining room, visible symbols of pride and belonging. As Carolyn Close noted, “As you walk into the William Boyd Center today, in

the lobby hang flags from all over Marianne’s kindness even the world… this is a tradition extended into her own family— Marianne championed.” her son’s chance meeting with a Russian staff member, Julia, led From 1996 to 2019, she to their marriage in 1994. arranged cultural excursions like dress rehearsals at Seagle Opera, “My mom set the standard Rotary breakfasts, and tours of leading the International EMPS International Paper. Even routine in their Silver Bay experience Walmart trips became moments both on and off campus. She of connection, filled with stories welcomed each one individually and laughter. Marianne saw the providing support, mentorship, program as more than staffing, and extraordinary friendship. it was about cross-cultural More importantly, Marianne exchange and personal growth. exemplified hospitality and kindness to all,” Marianne’s She was known as “Mom” to daughter, Mona Burhans many. She wrote heartfelt letters DiMarco, stated. to each international staff at the end of their summer, one of which For countless international was hand-carried back 15 years students, Marianne didn’t just later by Patrick from Kenya, just coordinate a program, she to thank her. This year, 2025, created a home, a family, and Ben from Rwanda sat with her for memories that will last a lifetime. two hours in her nursing home, simply to express his gratitude.

The friends, family, and

colleagues of Marianne.

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COUNTRIES REPRESENTED AT SILVER BAY

Canada

Mexico

Italy

Sweden

Spain

Tokelau Island

Singapore

Indonesia

Colombia

Australia

Rwanda

Netherlands

France

Kazakhstan

Russia

United States

Brazil

Germany

Malaysia

Slovakia

Vietnam

Venezuela

Senegal

Azerbaijan Czech Republic Ecuador

Jamaica

Kyrgyzstan

Turkey

El Salvador

Peru

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Poland

Ukraine

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LARGE NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR IMPACT We are proud, honored, and humbled to share that on October 2, 2025 the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded Silver Bay YMCA the Large Nonprofit of the Year Award.

For over 120 years, Silver Bay has been serving our community - and through the years, we’ve provided more than $1.4 million in community benefits through our programs and services.

This recognition is only possible because of the unwavering support of our guests, members, volunteers, donors, and staff. You help us live out our mission to: cultivate relationships, strengthen communities, and nurture spirit mind and body for all.

Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Award.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A VITAL PART OF THE SILVER BAY FAMILY. THIS AWARD IS AS MUCH YOURS AS IT IS OURS.

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MILESTONES SILVER BAY

Dave Barton

Passed on October 1, 2024 Age 82 Emps Fellowship, Emp Alumni, Past Employee, and Long Time Donor.

Victor Leroy LaVallee

Age 82

Passed on May 14, 2025 Age 48 Trustee, and Conference Attendee.

Carol Squire Hay

Joan Goddard

Passed on March 18, 2025 Age 57 Emps Fellowship, Emp Alumni, Past Employee, and Long Time Donor.

Passed on February 24, 2025 Age 82 Emps Fellowship, Emp Alumni, Long Time Donor, and White Birch member.

Marianne Burhans

Mary Helen Staley

Passed on March 11, 2025 Age 93 Conference Attendee, Emps Fellowship, Emp Alumni, Past Employee, and Long Time Donor.

Passed on March 24, 2025 A Long Time Donor.

Passed on April 6, 2025 Age 41 Emp Alumni, Past Employee.

Sam Perkins

Passed on September 24, 2024 Donor.

Earla Woodworth

Ryan Lawrence

Age 93

Passed on September 14, 2025 Age 90 A Former Council Member, Conference Attendee, Senior Staff, Emps Fellowship, Emp Alumni, Past Employee, and Long Time Donor.

Do you have a loved one you would like to be acknowledged in future Bay Windows?

Please email: development@silverbay.org

Louis W Snell

Passed on April 5, 2025 Age 98 Conference Attendee, and Long Time Donor.

WHAT IS WHITE BIRCH?

This symbol depicts a White Birch Member.

Formed in 1976, White Birch is a caring group of individuals who have decided to make a gift to Silver Bay YMCA through a planned or deferred gift, in the form of an estate bequest, a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy, a charitable gift annuity, a charitable trust, or a gift of stock, real estate, or other assets.

To learn more about becoming a White Birch Member please contact: Development at development@silverbay.org.

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SILVER BAY YMCA 87 Silver Bay Road Silver Bay, NY 12874 www.silverbay.org

WHEREVER LIFE TAKES YOU, YOU’RE NEVER FAR FROM SILVER BAY!