Scarpa Fitness Center Dedicated after Generous Gift to YMCA

From left: YMCA Board 1st VP Kathy Farinaccio, longtime Board member Ginger Chase; Board 2nd VP Lou Tramontana, Jr., Board President Shayne Bevilaqua, the Scarpas, YMCA CEO George Steinbronn, Jr., Board Treasurer Dave Schad, and Board Secretary Donna Perez.

Philanthropist John F. Scarpa is thanked by YMCA Board President Shayne Bevilaqua, as longtime Board member Ron Rossi applauds. State-of-the-art fitness equipment purchased with funds recently donated by John and Jana Scarpa is in the background.

The John F. Scarpa Foundation – John and Jana Scarpa Family Fitness Center was dedicated on Thursday, June 24, at the Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA as the organization’s board of directors, staff and facility members gathered with philanthropist John F. Scarpa and his wife, Jana, to cut the ribbon. Scarpa, a Vineland native, has given back to his hometown in a most meaningful way as he pledged $100,000 to the YMCA last year. These funds were used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment to meet the changing needs of Y members. The YMCA is unique in its approach to promoting health for children with their parents, especially working out together in the newly renamed John and Jana Scarpa Family Fitness Center.

The YMCA renamed its fitness center in recognition of the Scarpa gift immediately prior to what became several months of mandated shutdown of the Y’s fitness activities due to COVID regulations in the Spring of 2020. While the facility was temporarily closed, the staff shifted focus to providing other community services, such as food distribution, virtual learning support for students, wellness checks, and livestreaming classes.

“The Y promotes exercise for people of all ages and backgrounds,” stated YMCA CEO George Steinbronn, Jr. “Thanks to John and Jana Scarpa, our fitness center has all new, upgraded cardio equipment, such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, and various bikes. Some pieces are unique to our area, especially those for kids,” he said. “Over the years, community and YMCA members have had interests that change with the times, and this gift allows us to adapt to this evolution. We are delighted!

“Now that the Y is back to nearly full programming and service, we invite members of the community to come out and make our new state-of-the-art equipment part of their fitness routine, thanks to this generous gift from the Scarpas,” noted Steinbronn.

A true nonprofit, the YMCA has served the greater Vineland area for over 90 years. The organization strives to strengthen the community through advancing youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

“My wife Jana and I, through The John F. Scarpa Foundation, proudly support healthcare, education and disadvantaged families,” stated John Scarpa. “We remain committed to support the Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA in Vineland to fulfill their mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.” He recalled that he used the Y when he lived in Vineland and played tennis there frequently with his brother, Joe, and many local tennis players.

Mr. Scarpa was an entrepreneur in the cable television and cellular telephone communication industries. He was co-founder, president and COO of American Cellular Network Corp., licensed to operate cellular telephone systems in the northeastern United States. Mr. Scarpa is credited with having the first publicly traded cellular company in the U.S. and established the first interstate connection for cellular service between Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. As co-founder of Unitel Wireless Communication Systems, Scarpa also developed and operated cellular telephone systems throughout the United States and was one of the original members of the nationwide Cellular One Network. He furthered his entrepreneurial skills in the Internet arena as well, by playing an instrumental role in the launch of the Internet service provider, Earthlink.