Evans family members with Jamey Mullen, Tom Revior, Matt Dowling and Dave Camadine after their team won first place at the 11th Tim Evans Memorial Golf Tournament. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The Norwich Family YMCA has been closed down due to the coronavirus and New York State’s reopening plan since March, but local businesses and organizations recently did their best to help.

According to Norwich Family YMCA Director Jamey Mullen, with nearly five months of mandated closure, and the cancellation of the Y’s 25th basketball tournament Gus Macker, things haven’t been easy at the Y.

“The one thing that has remained the same is the generosity of others during this most difficult time,” said Mullen. “As the Norwich YMCA made the decision to cancel the tournament, we contacted our sponsors to thank them for their sponsorship and continued support.”

“During these calls, these sponsors made an amazing gesture to donate their sponsorship to the YMCA to assist us during this most difficult time, especially being a not for profit and closed for operations to the public since March 16th.”

Mullen said NBT Bank, Byrne Dairy, Electron Coil Company, Gates-Cole Insurance, Wells Fargo Advisors Norwich, and American Legion Post 189 all donated their sponsorships.

He said in addition to the sponsorships, the 11th Tim Evans Memorial Golf Tournament was held on August 2 at the Blue Stone Golf Course in Oxford with $2,575 in funds raised for the Y as well.

“This year, the Evans family and Tournament committee selected the Norwich Family YMCA and the YMCA youth sports program as the beneficiary of the tournament proceeds,” he added. “We would like to thank the Evans family for thinking of the Norwich YMCA especially during this most challenging time as the COVID-19 pandemic has closed the Y's doors since March 16th.”

Mullen and Norwich Family YMCA Sports Director Tom Revior both participated in the tournament along with Matt Dowling and Dave Camadine, carding a team score of 59 for first place.

Both Tom and Jamey stated it was a great day representing the Y, while supporting the memory of Tim Evans and the Evans family.

“We are blessed and so thankful to our community for your support,” said Mullen. “A special thank you to everyone who has donated for their most amazing gesture and kindness.”