Celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, San Diego County’s YMCA membership has grown from a modest 150 in 1882 to more than 300,000 today.According to Richard Collato, president and CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County, the secret to the YMCA’s success is its ability to truly be a reflection of community needs in regards to building strong kids, families and communities “” something that the organization has done through “leadership, commitment, determination and hard work by thousands of volunteers and staff.”The YMCA mission today is significant in that we believe that every kid deserves a YMCA, regardless of socioeconomics,” Collato said. “A concerted effort is always made to fulfill the promise of never turning a boy or girl away because they lack the ability to pay.”He added that the mission is realized with the support of 17,000 contributors and 9,000 dedicated volunteers and staff.According to the San Diego Historical Society, George H. Marston, who helped establish the first YMCA in San Diego, was considered to be one of the great community servants in the history of the area. He served on the YMCA board for 62 years and as president for 22.Longtime member Tony Heintz of San Carlos drives to the downtown YMCA on Broadway at least three days each week. “It’s the only place I can play volleyball,” he said, adding that he does play on the beach occasionally.Now 80 years old, Heintz has been a member of the San Diego County YMCA for nearly 70 years.”My parents got me involved at an early age,” he said. “I got my first taste of the ‘Y’ taking swimming lessons when it was at 8th and C streets. Back then I took the streetcar.”Heintz also spent time at Camp Marston, San Diego’s oldest and best-known camp, located in the mountains of Julian. The camp “” still in operation “” occupies 230 acres on Lake Jessop and is open year-round, serving people of all ages.Looking toward the next 125 years, Collato said the YMCA’s strategic plan provides direction and priorities in the areas of facility expansion, program, staff, diversity, collaborations, membership, fund-raising, volunteers and technology.”Less than 7 cents of each dollar received by this YMCA goes to administrative and fund-raising costs “” including salaries,” Collato reported, noting that 93 cents of each dollar goes toward affecting lives in a positive way.Emphasizing the importance of volunteerism within the community, he added that donations play a major role in the health of an organization that fosters loyalty among its members.As for Heintz, he remains true to the YMCA.”It sticks with you over the years,” he said. “It covers it all: body, mind and spirit.”The downtown YMCA, 500 West Broadway, suite B, will host an open house and reception Friday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to noon.Other upcoming activities include “Healthy Kids Day” on April 14 and the 125th Annual Meeting and Golden Triangle of Distinguished Service Awards, to be held downtown at the U.S. Grant Hotel May 10.For more information on the YMCA of San Diego County and the 125th anniversary celebration, visit www.ymca.org or call (858) 292-YMCA. n