Leon and Thelma Thompson Fund
The Leon & Thelma Thompson Fund honors a couple whose love for the Monroe County YMCA shaped their later years and continues to benefit others. After retiring in 1978, Leon and Thelma Thompson found a second home at the Y, where they stayed active through Prime Time Fitness and built lasting relationships with staff and members alike.
Leon was especially known for his warmth, humor, and encouragement of others. Retired YMCA instructor Diane Thayer remembered, “Leon was such a people person. Connecting with people meant a lot to him.” Whether supporting classmates or cheering on staff, Leon made everyone feel seen and valued. After Thelma’s passing, the Y became an essential source of purpose and community for him. As former staff member Nancy Wroblewski reflected, “The Y saved him.”
The fund has continued to grow thanks to the generosity and ongoing support of Leon and Thelma’s son, John Thompson. After both of his parents passed away, John established the Leon & Thelma Thompson Fund to honor the joy and purpose the Y brought to their lives. Through his significant contributions over time, the fund has expanded its impact, ensuring sustained support for YMCA programs—particularly those serving seniors—well into the future.
The fund has contributed to programming at the Y for adults and seniors in many ways, most recently helping add a mounted barre to our Mind Body Studio. This barre has helped improve the quality and safety of group exercise classes. Support the Leon and Thelma Thompson Fund today!
