NORFOLK, Va. — Jeff Regan is so popular at the Downtown Norfolk YMCA that the Y made a video about him.
“He knows a lot about a lot of things. He could have his own podcast because he talks about sports, he talks about music, and he talks about what’s going on in the community. He can carry on a conversation with anyone and make everyone feel welcome,” said Julie Wilson, Senior Wellness Director at the Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA.
Jeff’s mom tells me her son, who has a disability, wanted to go right to work after high school. So he started volunteering at the YMCA, and after a few months, they offered him a job.
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“It’s a safe place, a happy place, and he meets lots of people. He thoroughly enjoys it here,” said Lynette Regan.
“Everyone’s a friend at the Y,” said Jeff.
In his 25-year tenure, he’s logged more than 3 million heartfelt hellos and become an invaluable asset to the busy community center.
“Jeff is consistent, always positive, and happy, and he does his job well. I don’t know if you caught that on tape, but he makes sure everyone scans in,” said President and CEO of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, Anthony Walters.
And so we can’t think of a better person to be our Everyday Hero. Dozens of his family, friends, and colleagues helped us surprise him.
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“Hey Jeff, I’m Beverly from News 3. Do you know why we’re here? I’m here to give you an Everyday Hero award. Congratulations!” (clapping) “What do you think? Thank you.”
“We have a community partner, Southern Bank, and Southern Bank would like to give you a $300 gift card. Congratulations!”
He was clearly shocked by all the attention.
“Do you recognize some of these people here? I know some of them,” he said, laughing. “I don’t know all of them.”
“You’ve been here a long time, so you must like it a little bit? I said. "I like it a lot,” he said. “I like all the people here," he added.
Jeff Reagan is a welcome ray of sunshine to everyone he meets and positively impacts Hampton Roads.
