Donna Talabock, Loveland, Colorado, leader for the Cochran Family Reunion first visited the YMCA of the Rockies by happenstance when she passed it on her way into Rocky Mountain National Park. Her small detour introduced her to the Estes Park Center YMCA where she was amazed by the number of options available. Considering the interests of her diverse family, this seemed like a match made in heaven for the Cochran reunion. It was close to the Front Range and offered lodge rooms, facilities, dining choices, activities, proximity to the city of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Donna reserved space at YMCA of the Rockies three years ahead and began planning her family reunion. Working with the guidance of Sara Kleiber, Assistant Group Sales Director, Talabock was able to customize her family reunion to accommodate the needs of 165 different people of all different ages.
Family from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, California, and Idaho drove, flew, and rented cars to meet near Estes Park, Colorado. They reserved forty-three lodge rooms and Donna arranged a meal plan. She could also have chosen reunion cabins with the option to cook their own meals. Donna said, ” It was nice not to have to cook and clean up.” The Continental plan permitted them free time during the day to explore. Dinner brought the family together for evening activities.
They had the freedom to plan their own activities and included such things as a reunion Olympics, a golf tournament and talent night. The family used a conference building to host most of their gatherings. During scheduled free time members took advantage of the many different activities at the YMCA including the indoor swimming pool, craft shop, library and horseback riding. Other adventurous family members took advantage of shopping in Estes Park and rock climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park.
When asked what was the most memorable part of the reunion, Donna said, “it was just being together with my family . . . it just made it extra special to be in a place that had such nice facilities and that was so beautiful.” Donna and her family’s wonderful experience at YMCA of the Rockies is just one result of a mission geared towards the guests who visit here.
YMCA of the Rockies accommodates groups of all sizes. The YMCA of the Rockies is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It is made up of Estes Park Center, near Estes Park, Colorado and Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park, Colorado. Contact 800-777-9622; [email protected]; www.ymcarockies.org.
