Letter: Big Vanilla Owner 'Proud' Of Transition

The owner of the Big Vanilla Athletic Club in Arnold said in a letter to members that he is upbeat about the transition of the club from his administration to the Y of Central Maryland.

The club will become the Greater Annapolis Family Center Y on Sept. 19.

The letter from Larry Ray, the longtime owner, reads as follows:

Dear Big Vanilla Arnold Members,

For the past 35 years, I've worked hard to create a community health facility that guarantees the value of health-centered lifestyles in the Arnold community. Since beginning my career at Big Vanilla in 1978 as a fitness instructor, I have worked hard to transform Big vanilla Arnold from a tennis and racquetball club into a multi-purpose, family-focused sports wellness and recreational complex.

The next phase of Big Vanilla Arnold’s transformation starts today. I am pleased to announce that we have entered into an agreement, effective  September 19, 2013, that allows the Y of Central Maryland to purchase Big vanilla’s Arnold location and convert it to the Greater Annapolis Family Center Y.

This transition allows me to practice what I preach – to live a more balanced life and to focus on other business interests including remaining intimately involved in the Big Vanilla Pasadena location.

I am proud to be passing the baton to the Y, a charitable, mission-driven organization that is community-centric and shares my values. The Y has been in Anne Arundel County for more than 15 years with significant youth development programming and is supported by a dedicated volunteer board of Anne Arundel County residents.

As a member of the Greater Annapolis Family Center Y, you will enjoy the same programs and comparable benefits including discounts on youth programs, free family events, and opportunities for volunteerism, as well as access to scholarships for those who need help to afford Y services. I am also pleased that current staff are being asked to join the Y team and those who choose to will be entering a pathway to professional growth and development within a dynamic, regional organization.

In the coming days you will receive information about membership within the Greater Annapolis Family Center Y and about making the transition.

Please join me in welcoming the Y to Arnold. Thank you for your  loyalty and support over the last 35 years. I am so grateful to be a part of this community.

Sincerely,
Larry Ray

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