In a recent staff meeting, we took time to think about folks we appreciated but hadn’t taken the time to thank. Lisa Humphreys, our Chief Strategy Officer, led the group as she remembered all the ways that Tim Carr, our late Sr. VP of Real Estate Development and Facility Management, had walked with so many of us over the past 10 years. He was a quiet leader, using his talents behind the scenes to allow us to fulfill our mission to our community.
For those outside of our community, Tim passed away unexpectedly in August. We missed the opportunity to let him know how much he meant.
Tim wasn’t in it for the money, the accolades or the title. Tim’s work, leading our real estate and properties efforts at the Y, were a means to an end. That end being making the Triangle a better place to live for as many people as he could.
Last spring I was at the Southeast Raleigh Y on a busy Saturday morning to see their Community Health Fair. As I walked from my car to the building, I passed by the refrigeration truck where we store food for distribution to families who need a little extra help. I was startled when a familiar face popped out and yelled “Hey Bruce!” It was Tim.
I said, “Tim, what are you doing at the Southeast Raleigh Y on a Saturday morning?”
He responded, “They just needed an extra hand.”
I don’t know about you, but a good Saturday to me is one where I get my stuff done or focus on what I want to do. A good Saturday for Tim was helping others.
There are so many Y team members who do the same. Those who love people. Those who give deeply of themselves to ensure that all have the opportunity to grow in spirit, mind and body.
I didn’t take the time to properly thank Tim for all he did for our Y – for all he did for me. It made me acknowledge that I don’t always take enough time to thank the 4,000+ full and part-time team members that pour into a quarter-million people each year who walk through our doors or participate in our programs.
In Tim’s memory, I pledge to do better at saying thank you. To our staff team, whether you are in direct service to our community or behind the scenes, I am immensely grateful for all you do to move our mission forward. To those 250,000 kids, teens, adults and seniors who are part of the Y, thank you for trusting us as your partner for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
