JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – February 27, 2019 – Last night, The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast proudly names Gladys Cordova, KidZone Program Coordinator at the Flagler Center YMCA, the 2019 recipient of the Carl & Rita Cannon Employee of the Year Award, acknowledging her passion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of the children in the Y’s care. Cordova received the award at the 9th Annual Y-Bash held at the University of North Florida Fine Arts Center on Tuesday, Feb. 26.
Cordova is known throughout the community for her caring personality and her dependability as a leader at the First Coast Y. She is highly respected by her colleagues and beloved by the members. Cordova recently organized a drive-in movie for her KidZone children where kids had the opportunity to decorate their own cars. She also raised more than $5,000 to purchase Exerbikes for the children in KidZone to have an accessible, fun way to exercise.
“Each year, the Y’s Employee of the Year is nominated by the branches based on the significant impact he or she has made through their work,” said YMCA of Florida’s First Coast President and CEO Eric K. Mann. “Gladys Cordova strives to improve the health and happiness of each member at the Y, starting with our youngest members. As the director of the Flagler Center Y’s KidZone team, Gladys ensures each child in the Y’s care is supported physically, emotionally and intellectually in a safe and nurturing environment.”
YMCA of Florida’s First Coast recognizes its staff, volunteers and community partners annually at the Y-Bash, an event celebrating their community impact through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. At this year’s event, the Y announced its funding priorities for the following year and its goal to raise $1.75 million. The Y’s four funding priorities are:
Safety Around Water
Uplifting Teens
Supporting Our Military
Hunger Relief
Funding these priorities and the dedication of employees, such as Gladys Cordova, help the Y build a strong, supportive foundation for the communities it serves. Past recipients of the Carl & Rita Cannon Employee of the Year Award include Jennifer Willett, Gwen Roberts, Tim Burrows, Norman Beverley and Amy Perry.
###
Media Contact
Maddie Milne, Dalton Agency
P 904.398.5222 C 828.781.6219
E mmilne@daltonagency.com
About the First Coast YMCA
For more than 110 years, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has been providing men, women and children of all ages, and from all walks of life, opportunities to build stronger bonds, live healthy and become more engaged with their communities. Learn more: fcymca.org.
