Ben Wychulis Story

Ben Wychulis, a junior at Darien High School, always had a passion for baseball. When he was growing up, Ben's family was fortunate enough to afford everything he needed to participate in sports, including baseball. "In this area, there are families and kids who don't have what I had. They don't have access to all the opportunities I did. And it just doesn't seem fair," said Ben.

Ben plays club basketball at the Darien YMCA with Joe Marzano as his coach. He loves coming to the Y with his friends and playing in the club basketball league. So when Ben came up with the idea for a baseball equipment drive, he asked Joe if the Darien YMCA would be willing to help. And of course, Joe said YES, along with many donors who have contributed over 40 items to Ben's baseball equipment drive. Ben also reached out to the New Canaan YMCA and set up a similar donation drop-off. In addition, Ben will be working with local sports organizations in nearby Norwalk and Bridgeport to ensure the equipment gets into the hands of kids in need.

The Darien YMCA is thankful to young adults like Ben, who are civic-minded, generous, and caring. Thank you, Ben, for supporting the Darien Y's mission to strengthen the foundation of the community through programs, services, and relationships that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. And thank you to all the fantastic community members who contributed to Ben's baseball equipment drive.