Englers Honored for Their Commitment to the Community

For the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA, each February is Community Support Campaign Month. This is the time of year the Y sets aside to raise funds to help those who can’t afford YMCA participation. This commitment to the community has been going on for decades and the campaign couldn’t take place without the aid of dedicated volunteers who do all the work.

Sandy and Fred Engler of La Cañada Flintridge were recently recognized for more than 40 years of commitment and volunteerism to the Community Campaign. Both of the Englers were born and raised in the communities of Glendale and La Crescenta. Fred went to Camp Fox as a 10-year-old boy with the Glendale YMCA. There was no Crescenta-Cañada Y at that time.

The Englers have been longtime volunteers and Sandy talked herself into a position, that of the membership director ? a post she held for 27 years until she retired in March 2004. As she said to then-Director Jim Havelick during the early ‘70s, “You need someone to help out the members when they come here. No one is taking care of them and they need some guidance.” Jim’s answer was “Oh, do you want to go to lunch?” and, as they say, the rest is history. Sandy created and developed the Membership Desk, fine-tuning the position and its requirements as she saw the need. Members would agree this is an important service.

Sandy and Fred began taking fitness classes at the Y and Fred went on to become an instructor for the popular evening class. When their first daughter, Leslie, was born, they joined the Community Support Campaign as campaigners. They strapped Leslie into her car seat, taking her with them as they made door-to-door calls. Leslie is probably the youngest campaign supporter in history. She still lives in this community and still goes to the Y. The other two Engler daughters live in Valencia, not far from their family and the community in which they were raised.

Fred and Sandy’s three daughters all took part in various Y programs, Y-Winners, Indian Guides and Princesses, swim lessons, Camp Fox and gymnastics. Leslie became a gymnastics coach and the Engler’s 12-year-old granddaughter is part of the present Gymnastics Team. All three girls were camp counselors at Camp Fox and at various camps throughout their teen years.

Fred served on the committee to renovate Crescenta-Cañada Y 10 years ago, overseeing the whole project after a full day at his regular job. He was also a member of the committee to oversee the improvements to Verdugo Hills Family YMCA in 2005. He was on the committee for the very first YMCA Fiesta Days Run, now in its 32nd year, as well as volunteering for Run for the Hungry. Plus, Sandy and Fred have served on the board of directors over the years.

But for Sandy, the project most dear to her heart is campaigning to raise funds for financial assistance to people in need. She is tireless. Several years ago ? “I think it is probably 10 years or more” ? Sandy decided to do something on her own. She wanted to support a family in the community during Christmas. She provided a complete Christmas dinner, and a tree from the Y’s own tree lot. Her staff helped wrap the gifts she bought and helped her deliver to the family in time to celebrate. She also gave them a Y membership through the financial assistance program. The family still takes swim lessons; she saw one of the children just a few days ago, which warmed her heart.

Such dedication is what makes the Y what it is: a place for families of all backgrounds in whatever financial situation. Volunteers like Fred and Sandy are the backbone. They both lobby endlessly for the Community Support Campaign. Sandy spent most of her time as a division leader during the campaigns, but this year she decided to “slow down” a little, so she is participating as a team leader.

In fact, just a few days ago Sandra called a supporter and when he answered the phone and realized it was Sandy, he said, “You are still doing this?”

For more information on the Community Support Campaign contact Deborah Weirick, director, financial development at 790-0123 or visit the Y online at www.ymcacc.org.lnws-yengler.0302.jpg-BPhotoInfo891OGF3Q20060302ivgom5kn(LA)VOLUNTEERS ? Sandy and Fred Engler were recently recognized for more than 40 years of volunteerism at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA.