Ten years ago, when a friend asked Greg Meahl what he did to give back to his community, the question inspired him to get involved and make a difference. The Boston-area general agent discovered that the YMCA’s mission to serve all and strengthen communities resonated with him, and in 2012 he joined the board of the Greater Beverly YMCA, one of seven community YMCAs that form the YMCA of the North Shore in Massachusetts. His two-year term as board president ended in June.
With the help of dedicated servants like Meahl, the Greater Beverly YMCA continues to be a leader and innovator in the community. Meahl’s continued service earned the organization a $25,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation as part of its 2021 Community Service Awards (CSA) program.
“My involvement in my community YMCA opened my eyes to the force of good that is volunteering,” Meahl said. “This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
Stronger together
Each year, millions of people of all ages and from all backgrounds engage with their local YMCAs in 10,000 communities nationwide. From childcare and education to fitness, social services, and affordable housing, the Y’s mission is to improve the overall health and well-being of people, ignite youth empowerment, and demonstrate the importance of living mutual.
Founded in 1858, the Greater Beverly YMCA serves nearly 14,000 residents each year. With one in four requiring some level of financial assistance, the organization welcomes everyone and strives to strengthens the community by promoting healthy living in spirit, mind, and body.
Giving back to his community
During his tenure on the board, Meahl personally raised nearly half a million dollars, established the annual charity golf tournament, and oversaw a $6.5 million renovation and expansion of the Greater Beverly campus.
In addition to raising funds, Meahl dedicates a great deal of time cultivating new donors. In 2020 he chaired both the charity golf tournament and fundraising committees. Before COVID-19 struck, he hosted donor events at his home, engaging more than 100 members of the community to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the Y. His passion continues to inspire other members of the volunteer board, highlighting the impact of their collective philanthropy on the Y's ability to provide programs and services to the community.
“Our Y would not be the successful organization that it is today without Greg Meahl,” said Judith Cronin, former executive director of the Greater Beverly YMCA. “Greg’s passion for the mission and deep concern for the well-being of members of our community set the tone for our board and its efforts to meet the needs of our community.”
Grant to fund increased access to services
The $25,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation will enable the Greater Beverly YMCA to serve more deserving people in their community, providing access and opportunities in education, wellness, and housing.
“With the support of the MassMutual Foundation, our YMCA will ensure everyone in our community who asks for help will have an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive,” Meahl said.
Each year, the MassMutual Foundation awards grants — ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 — to help nonprofit organizations with which MassMutual financial professionals are involved. You can read more about the program here.
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