SARASOTA, FL – For more than 15 years, local accounting firm Kerkering, Barberio & Co. has participated in a Sarasota YMCA annual ritual that helps to bring smiles to the faces of young children involved with one particular YMCA program during the holidays. A one-time invitation to the nonprofit’s administrative staff holiday breakfast and gift wrapping session has continued on, bringing happiness to all who participate.
The Sarasota YMCA’s Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program is a home-based, early intervention education for young children 3-5 years old, that teaches the parents to be their first teachers. Preschool may not be an option for every family – whether due to cost, logistics, or availability based on location – but that shouldn’t mean that a child can’t be properly prepared for school. The program lays the foundation for success in school and life.
On the evening of December 20, families involved with the HIPPY program will enjoy the annual HIPPY Christmas Party, featuring food, fun and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. More than 100 young children will receive gifts donated through an angel tree effort at Crunch Fitness on Bee Ridge Road, the administrative staff at the YMCA, and employees of Kerkering, Barberio & Co. The gifts are then wrapped – by employees of both the YMCA and Kerkering, Barberio & Co. – during the annual holiday breakfast at the YMCA’s administrative offices at the Kane Plaza in downtown Sarasota.
“It is a privilege to support the YMCA’s annual HIPPY Christmas Party and all that the program does for local families. At Kerkering Barberio, we look forward to participating in this long-standing tradition and sharing in the meaning of the season,” said Rob Lane, Managing Shareholder of Kerkering, Barberio & Co.
The holiday breakfast celebration was begun by former YMCA CFO Terry White and the staff working at Kane Plaza. Staff members were encouraged to purchase small gifts to contribute to the HIPPY holiday celebration and then enjoy each other’s company and the joy of bringing happiness to others while wrapping the gifts. The accountants at Kerkering, Barberio & Co. heard about and were invited to join in this event by White. Each year since, employees of the accounting firm have joined enthusiastically in the holiday tradition.
For more about the Sarasota YMCA’s HIPPY program, go to sarasotaymca.org/hippy or call 941-365-0056.
About the Sarasota YMCA
The Sarasota YMCA is committed to strengthening the community: through youth development by nurturing the potential of every child and teen, through healthy living by improving the community’s health and well-being, and through social responsibility by giving back and providing support to our neighbors. For more information, visit sarasotaymca.org or call 941-951-2916.