YMCA at Virginia Tech

INVEST IN THE NEXT 150 YEARS.

YOUR SUPPORT COULD BE MONUMENTAL!

The YMCA at Virginia Tech is changing lives in every corner of the New River Valley—whether you’ve lived here your whole life, came here to study, or moved around the globe to find your new home. Your support of our 150th Anniversary Campaign is vital to the future of our community. Please consider pledging today to ensure a strong, sustainable, and thriving YMCA at Virginia Tech for the New River Valley!

Yesterday's YMCA at Virginia Tech

For 150 years, the YMCA at Virginia Tech has been a rock and a haven for Virginia Tech and the NRV community. The local nonprofit built the first student center on campus using Hokie Stone in 1899. It reminds us of the Y’s enduring legacy as a pillar of student support and community engagement. 

In the 1970s, the Y at VT expanded its outreach programming beyond campus to focus on social inequity, environmental stewardship, and student leadership development. 

Today's YMCA at Virginia Tech

Just like in 1873, today’s Y is fueled by dedicated student leaders and community volunteers who want to make a difference—and by generous gifts from supporters like you. We’re grateful to offer a range of programs that change lives every single day. 

INVESTING IN THE NEXT 150 YEARS

A monumental milestone, our 150th anniversary deserves a monumental goal: $1.5 million to ensure another 150 years of YMCA programming that inspires, empowers, and changes lives in the New River Valley. Our GiveLocal Campaign is dedicated to supporting our efforts to reach this monumental milestone!

The Y is bringing in the Drones!

In celebration of the annual GiveLocalNRV Giving Day on Wednesday, June 25, the YMCA at Virginia Tech is proud to bring a truly historic and breathtaking event to the New River Valley — the first-ever drone light show in the region.

This FREE community celebration marks a dual milestone: a day of regional giving and the YMCA’s 150th anniversary of service, as well as the official launch of the next 150 years.

The celebration will take place at the Bill Brown Blacksburg High School Football Stadium, with gates opening at 7:30 PM. Attendees will enjoy complimentary snacks, live pre-show entertainment, and a custom-designed drone light show at 9:15 PM, provided by the nationally renowned team at Sky Elements — the largest drone show provider in the United States.

“Drone light shows are revolutionizing public entertainment, and we’re thrilled to be the first to bring this experience to the New River Valley,” said Ryan Martin, CEO of the YMCA at Virginia Tech. “This event is more than just a celebration — it’s a way to honor our history, energize our future, and unite the community around a shared vision for impact.”

Sky Elements has delivered awe-inspiring shows across the country for community events, sports franchises, major brands, and artists. Their team of U.S.-based experts will light up the night sky with a stunning visual performance tailored just for this event.

Event Details:

What: YMCA at Virginia Tech Drone Show Celebration

When: Wednesday, June 25

Where: Blacksburg High School, Bill Brown Football Stadium

Time: Gates open at 7:30 PM | Drone show begins at 9:15 PM

Admission: Free and open to the public

Extras: Complimentary snacks and pre-show entertainment

This unforgettable night is a gift to the community, made possible by generous donors and the ongoing support of YMCA partners. Come witness the sky light up in a dazzling display of innovation, legacy, and community spirit.