Our Purpose

As a Young Men’s Christian Society, we regard it being in its essential genius a worldwide fellowship united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of developing Christian personality and building a Christian society.

The YMCA of Greater Long Beach is an Association that welcomes people of all ages, ethnic groups, and religious affiliations to unite in a common effort to put Judeo-Christian principles and values into practice, through programs that develop healthy spirit, mind and body for ourselves, our families, our children and community.

The Heritage Club was founded in 1965. The Annual Heritage Club Dinner was instituted in 1972. Both the Heritage Club and the Annual Heritage Club Dinner were established to recognize, honor and thank those who have given unselfishly to ensure that the work of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach will continue for future generations.

Heritage Club members support the Mission of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach and its branches by including the YMCA in a family's long range plans through a will, life insurance, life income plan or by making a direct gift to the endowment fund.

The Annual Heritage Club Dinner Meeting celebrates the testimony of members who have committed to the future of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach. The Heritage Club members’ commitment keeps the promise of the YMCA - ensuring that the YMCA will be there for our children, our grandchildren and beyond.

Regardless of generation, the desire for community is intrinsic to human nature. The bonds of friends and family unite us into communities that seek health and happiness for ourselves and for our children. This search for community, for finding in all of us the common goodwill, gave birth to the YMCA 158 years ago in London, England and, here in Greater Long Beach just 37 years later in 1884. The decades of growth that followed, and continue to today are testament to the power of the YMCA to fill this basic human need.

Today people are seeking a sense of community and now, more than ever, a strong, involved YMCA makes a positive difference in people’s lives. History’s past upheavals have not deterred the YMCA from building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Neither will these trying times now.

Although we are living in a time of powerful and dramatic change, the YMCA has not changed fundamentally. The power of the YMCA lies in the people who, everyday, give something of themselves to help create a community that supports and celebrates the daily achievements of our children, our neighbors and ourselves.

The Heritage Club is committed to support the YMCA’s work, at the core of which are men and women, boys and girls of every age and condition, all throughout our city. We will continue to involve these people today even as we safeguard the YMCA tomorrow. And we will continue persevering with a mission that has carried us through so much…and brought us here today.

Heritage Club Members

* New Heritage Club Members