When Penny Boling arrived in Myrtle Beach 41 years ago, she knew no one. But that didn’t last long. Fueled by curiosity, optimism, and an unwavering commitment to service, Penny joined every organization she could - Rotary, the local church, and yes, the YMCA.
At first, she joined simply to meet people. But over time, the Y became something more: a cornerstone in her life and a platform for the legacy she would help build across the Grand Strand.
After decades of involvement with civic organizations, Penny made a choice. “I made a decision on which one I loved the most, on which one did the most good for my community, which one helped children, supported working parents,” she said. That decision pointed clearly to the Y. “I put my money where the Y was. And my time.”
As Regional Board Chair of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina and the President of Century 21 Boling & Associates, Penny has woven service into every chapter of her career. But it’s in the quiet moments - walking into the Y at 5:30 AM to work out with friends, watching children climb into the pool in Andrews, or helping a mom secure afterschool care—that you see her true spark.
“It’s not a whisper anymore. It’s a happy yell: YMCA, let’s go!” she beams.
She talks often about the joy of watching the Y meet the growing needs of families across Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg counties - from mobile pools in underserved towns to wellness classes for seniors with Parkinson’s. These aren’t programs to Penny; they’re lifelines.
“The afterschool care has made lives easier for moms and dads,” she shares. “It takes me 45 minutes just to pick up my grandson from school - I know firsthand how needed this is.”
For Penny, the Y has always been more than a gym. It’s a catalyst for connection, wellness, and purpose. It’s where friendships are formed, health is nurtured, and hope grows. “Let me tell you…it’s really fun making new friends as you get older.”
Ask her what sparks her, and she’ll smile. “Every morning, I wake up and thank God that I found my career and that I love what I do. Then I say, ‘Next. Bring it on. Let’s go.’”
Penny Boling’s fingerprint is on every corner of this community - from the classrooms we support, to the pools we deliver, to the families we serve. Her legacy is one of energy, advocacy, and belonging.
