Rancho Santa Fe residents give big for ‘Y’ skaters
RSF resident Jere Oren has actively participated with the YMCA since he was a child. Having been involved with different “Ys” across the country, Jere’s parents, Sophie and Samuel, taught him to love all that the YMCA has to offer from a very young age. This love has stayed with him to today and he can frequently be found at the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA in Encinitas.
The YMCA recently announce that Jere and Joyce Oren have given a gift of $50,000 towards the world-renowned Skate Park. This park is undergoing a $680,000 capital campaign for rebuilding and renovating this celebrated space, which has developed careers of Tony Hawk, Shaun White, Bucky Lasek and more. The gift the Orens have made will expand and renovate the park’s “Mini-Land” lesson area. This area hosts skaterboarders as young as 3 years old and aids in basic and beginner instruction.
Currently, the lessons are impacted due to popularity and the wood structures suffer from moisture damage from the Pacific Ocean breezes. Jere’s $50,000 gift will not only honor the years of happiness his own children, Robert and Susan, received during their time at New England YMCA facilities, but will also open the door for skill building, values-based programming and a fun environment for this community to enjoy for years to come.
The Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA Skate Park receives over 19,000 annual visits from youth, teen and adult skaters, lesson participants and special events.
Jere and Joyce are active YMCA members, enjoying swimming, fitness and volunteering. While at this YMCA, he is reminded of the past memories he and his family members have had staying active in the organization. To honor his family members and celebrate the core values the YMCA stands for, Jere has become one of the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA’s most loyal and generous donors also giving substantial gifts to the building of the Aquatic Center, Preschool expansion, Financial Assistance programs and more.
Jere has stated, “The YMCA is critical to this community because it is the one place where all children and adults can come and gain life-changing experiences. It is truly a mecca for all people, regardless of their different backgrounds.”
After moving to Rancho Santa Fe in 1979, Jere quickly became an integral community member and philanthropist. He also generously supports local hospitals, his church and other nonprofit organizations.