Dan and Alice Satisky

Dan Satisky first joined the YMCA as a young man growing up in Baltimore, Maryland. When he moved to Raleigh, one of the first things he did was join the YMCA on Edenton Street. At that time Edenton Street was the only Y in Raleigh—today there over 16 branches, three resident camps and three more new Y's scheduled to open their doors in the next year.

In his early association with the YMCA, Dan enjoyed playing basketball and handball and developed lifelong friendships with others who gathered at the Y. He was a member, volunteer and donor to the YMCA of the Triangle from his arrival in Raleigh in 1931 until his death in 2006.

Though Alice grew up in Raleigh, the Y was not open to women when she was a girl. Her association with the Y began after it moved from Edenton Street to Hillsborough Street in 1960, and the doors were opened for women to join. Alice loved the pool and was a regular participant in water aerobics and other healthy living activities offered at the Y.

Throughout their life together, Dan and Alice championed the work of the YMCA in the community. The friendships they developed with fellow members and staff were a treasure for them, and their friendship was a treasure for all who knew them too. Of particular interest to the Satiskys was the emphasis the Y had on helping young people develop skills as leaders in their communities. Dan said, "there are lots of good organizations, and I support several, but what strikes me about the YMCA is that young people learn about leading by example."

He really embraced the ideals the YMCA of the Triangle still uses in youth training today: "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day" and "who you are speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you say."

During their lives, Alice and Dan were exemplary Y philanthropists. As part of their estate plan they left a wonderful gift to the YMCA of the Triangle. Today, the endowment they established provides over $25,000 annually to support the youth programs at the Y they so believed in.

Dan and Alice lived the YMCA way...kind, caring, supportive, encouraging and generous. Their actions always exemplified the best within them...and all of us.

Like Dan and Alice, you too can make a lasting impact on the YMCA of the Triangle. Contact Cole McLaughlin at 919-564-6689 or Cole.McLaughlin@YMCATriangle.org to get started.