By Jill Adair | Digital Free Press
A big part of Mesa Leadership Class of 2025’s nine-month training and development journey is to plan, raise money for, and work to complete a class project that benefits a community nonprofit organization. The results of this latest transformative effort will be revealed April 30.
This year’s class chose Ross Farnsworth–East Valley YMCA in Mesa as the recipient of this effort. The class installed a sail shade, seating, and trash receptacles near the soccer field.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, at Ross Farnsworth East Valley YMCA soccer field, 1807 S. Sunview in Mesa. The event is open to the public, and attendees can explore the area.
The Ross Farnsworth–East Valley Family YMCA opened in October of 2009. The new soccer field is the first of many outdoor recreational/athletic activities to be placed on land adjacent to the YMCA that was donated by AT Still University, according to officials. The soccer field turf was donated by the Arizona Cardinals NFL team and installed by the YMCA. Development of a master plan to add additional recreational opportunities will be undertaken in the near future.
The class project’s primary objective was to provide a shade structure and seating that can be used by players during practice as well as families and friends supporting soccer players at practices and games. Trash receptacles provide a place to dispose of cups, wrappers, etc. to keep the area clear of debris and assist in the maintenance and proper upkeep of the field.
In addition, youth who participate in the YMCA childcare programs will use the field as well as the shade and seating provided by this project, which will better serve them, according to class project leaders.
Funds for the project came from a Casino Night fundraising event the class held Feb. 8 at The Post in downtown Mesa. Money was also donated by community businesses and residents for the class project. More than $31,000 was raised to spend on the project, according to Chris Yakus, class treasurer.
More information on Mesa Leadership HERE.
For more info on applying for Mesa Leadership Class of 2026, click HERE. The program begins in August.
The Mesa Leadership Training & Development Program was inaugurated in 1981 with the belief that every community has potential leaders who are seeking the opportunity to serve and who need exposure to the information, organizations, and leaders to make that service possible, officials there say.
The program is a 501(c)(3) organization sponsored by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and is administered by volunteers who serve as board members, program and curriculum development committee members, and community liaisons.
