For Britt and Susie Thomas, the YMCA has never been simply a place to exercise. It has been summer camp and birthday parties. A place to raise a family. A place to swim, work out and stay healthy. And today, it is a place where familiar faces, conversations and friendships have become as much a part of their routine as the exercise itself. Now, the longtime Y members will help tell that story on behalf of their community.
The Southside Virginia Family YMCA has named Britt and Susie Thomas honorary co-chairs of its 2026 Annual Campaign, Campaign Chair Patsy Watson announced. The campaign, which runs from January 1 to December 31, has a goal of raising $175,000 to support the YMCA's work with the community.
As honorary co-chairs, Britt and Susie will serve as ambassadors for the campaign, sharing their connection to the Y and participating in campaign events throughout the year.
“Britt and Susie understand something that is at the heart of the Y: this is a place where people come not only to become healthier, but to build relationships and find community. I am thrilled that they have agreed to lend their voices to this year’s campaign and help us share why supporting the Y matters.” Watson said.
For Susie, that connection began in childhood. The Y was part of her life wherever she lived, including summers spent at YMCA Camp Chesapeake. Years later, when Britt and Susie were raising their own children, the Y became part of their family's life as well. Their children's birthday parties were held at the Y, and their daughter eventually attended the same Y summer camp Susie had attended as a child.
Today, with their children grown and Britt and Susie retired, the Y has taken on another role in their lives. “It’s almost our second place to hang out,” Susie said. “You find fitness, but you also find interesting people.”
Susie works with personal trainer Chelsey Robinson, uses the Y's cardio and strength equipment and swims. She hopes to add group exercise and water aerobics to her routine. Britt is a regular in the pool and weight room, but he says some of the most meaningful parts of his visits happen between laps. He calls it “laneside chat.” The swimmers he encounters represent a range of ages and abilities—from experienced swimmers to people working their way back from injuries. What stands out to Britt is their determination and the relationships that form simply by showing up. “You see people who are here every day,” Britt said. “There’s a real community feel to it.”
That community extends beyond the pool. Britt is greeted by familiar Y staff members when he arrives, sees people he knows from church and has developed friendships that continue outside of workouts. Sometimes, he even arrives bearing something he has cooked to share.
For the Thomases, those experiences illustrate why the YMCA is much more than the letters in its name. The Y brings together people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities, they said. It is a place where people can pursue their own goals while becoming part of something larger. “We were honored—and surprised—to be asked,” Susie said of serving as honorary co-chair. “The Y has been part of so many different stages of our lives.”
The Southside Virginia Family YMCA's Annual Campaign helps ensure the Y can continue strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Contributions open doors for financial assistance, Safety Around Water swim lessons, Youth Sports and more, helping ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent people from accessing Y programs and opportunities.
“ When someone gives to the Annual Campaign, they are investing in their neighbors. They are helping make sure children, families and individuals throughout our community have opportunities to learn, grow, connect and thrive. Britt and Susie embody that spirit of connection, and we hope their story inspires others to become part of it.” Watson said.
The 2026 Annual Campaign runs January 1 through December 31, 2026, to raise $175,000. To learn more about the campaign or make a contribution, visit https://operations.daxko.com/online/2289/OnlineGiving/Donation.mvc or contact Beth Zeisig at 434-392-3456 or bethzeisig@ymcassva.org.