The YMCA of Central Kentucky, in partnership with local organizations and sponsors, hosts Back to School Rallies each year before students return to the classroom. It is a half-day community event during which we distribute over five thousand backpacks filled with school supplies to local elementary, middle, and high school students. It takes a lot of planning, work, and resources and for the last six years, we've been fortunate to have the generous financial and volunteer support of Setzer Properties.
Brett Setzer, Chief Operating Officer of Setzer Properties and CEO of Brett Construction Company, explains that being involved with community organizations is very much part of their corporate culture. "Both Setzer Properties and Brett Construction Company began as small, family-owned and operated companies. The Setzer family has always believed in giving back, and my wife Billie Jo and I are proud to continue that tradition. Even as our companies have expanded and grown, our operating philosophy has remained the same. Central Kentucky has been wonderful to us, to our families and to our businesses. We want to continue to give back so that future generations enjoy that same strength of community we have always known." Their philosophy about giving back extends quite naturally into their companies. "Our employees are extensions of our family, and we all come together to give back to the communities that have helped shape us and contributed to our success. Giving back to the community is something our family feels strongly about, and it’s something that our employees also feel strongly about. Any initiative that’s started by a single employee is fully supported and gets bigger each year. "
In addition to being the primary financial sponsor of the YMCA Back to School Rallies annually, the companies have traditions of holding holiday food drives for local food banks, adopting families for Christmas, and jumping into communities in need after natural disasters. Setzer Properties and Brett Construction Company look for opportunities to sponsor both through financial donations and volunteer hours with organizations in local communities.
One common theme of their support is something very near and dear to Brett: family. "It all comes back to family for us. We like to support organizations that focus on families, children, and on the well-being of the community. The YMCA of Central Kentucky is a natural fit, because it touches on all of those things. There are camps and sports opportunities for children. There are affordable and engaging child care options for families. There are opportunities for education, training and enrichment for the community. There are health and fitness programs for all ages and experience levels. The YMCA is a place that offers something for every member of a family as well as every member of a community. It’s a place where communities can come together and really make a difference in the lives of not just individual children and families, but in the lives of all community members."
The Back to School Rallies in particular are a perfect fit for Brett and his wife Billie Jo in personal ways. Brett participated in Y programming as a kid growing up in Lexington and knows first-hand the positive impact that the programs have on kids. Meanwhile, Bille Jo was a teacher, so education and students are close to their hearts. "We support the Back to School Rallies to provide kids with not only the tools they need for school, but also the knowledge that their community is behind them and supporting them as they head into a new school year." Brett, Billie Jo, and their five daughters have personally spent time with the YMCA staff and other volunteers on the ground both in preparing for the rallies and on the day of the event each year. "We’ve picked up donated supplies and delivered them to the staging areas. We’ve stuffed supplies into backpacks. We’ve attended a different rally location each year, talking with recipients and their families. It’s a rewarding experience from start to finish, helping students and families have a positive start to a new school year. Education is the foundation for so many things in our lives, and we love being a part of supporting education and families in our community."
For someone so engaged in the Back to School Rallies, it is fitting that when Brett thinks of the Y, he thinks: "Children. Families. Community. Those three things are the reason we continue to support the Y. Children and families are the heart of any community. You need successful children and families to have strong communities. We all want to see children do well. We all want to see families thrive. And in doing so, we can help build strong communities together."
We are deeply grateful for the support and partnership of Brett, his family, and Setzer Properties as their investment, dedication, and commitment to the Back to School Rallies have ensured that all students can have the chance to learn and grow with the tools they need.
The YMCA Back to School Rallies, with the support of Setzer Properties, Fayette County Public Schools, United Way of the Bluegrass, Baumann Paper Company, and CHI St. Joseph Health, will be held Saturday, August 5 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at thirteen locations across Central Kentucky. Learn more about this event, including locations and opportunities to volunteer here, or to donate to this event, click here.
