Spring Air's Eilenfeldt receives YMCA award

Chicago— It all started for Bob Eilenfeldt at the YMCA in Mason City, Iowa.

That's where Eilenfeldt, then a small boy, learned to swim. He also learned about the many programs offered by the YMCA.

That formative experience spurred Eilenfeldt to a lifetime of involvement with

All of his hard work and dedication to the YMCA were recognize earlier this year when Eilenfeldt received the YMCA's highest volunteer honor, the YMCA of the USA Volunteerism Award.

Eilenfeldt was honored at the organization's national board of directors meeting, held here.

It was a major achievement for Eilenfeldt, who has devoted countless hours of his personal time to the YMCA. In his work time, he has fashioned a noteworthy career in the bedding industry.

He is vice president of sales and field marketing for Spring Air Partners-North America, which has plants in California, Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

He and his wife, Linda, son, Kyle, and daughter, Mary, live in Colleyville, Texas, where he continues to be active in YMCA work. He currently serves on the board of managers for the Airport Branch YMCA in Bedford, Texas.

His other YMCA work has included service on the National Advisory Committee for the YMCA Adventure Guides Programs since 1999. He was elected chairperson of the national committee in 2001.

"Bob's steadfast contribution and service to YMCA parent-child programs is noteworthy," said Ken Gladish, national executive director of the YMCA of the USA. "The entire YMCA movement is fortunate to have benefited from Bob's hard work, committed attitude and unwavering support during a time of transition for a revered program, YMCA Adventure Guides, formerly known as Indian Guides."

Criteria for the YMCA of the USA Volunteerism Award include "meaningful service to or through YMCAs, extraordinary dedication and demonstrated initiative; and effectiveness and innovation in meeting the needs of the YMCAs and the community."

Eilenfeldt has spent 27 years in the bedding industry. He has worked at JCPenney, Englander, Serta and Sealy. He has been with Spring Air for six years.