When I started working for our Y in 2000, my two daughters were just toddlers. Today, they are working professionals who are healthy, happy, and engaged in their communities. Fortunately, they’ve been able to include the Y as one of those strong positive influences that helped them navigate from childhood to young adulthood.
I didn’t have the Y when I was a kid. The YMCA in my hometown wasn’t built until I was well into high school, so I never had the opportunities that my girls had to attend summer camp, build confidence, learn to swim, play soccer, experience gymnastics and running, develop their leadership skills, and enjoy the Y family atmosphere. The Y really supported me as a working mom, and I’m grateful that these opportunities existed for my girls.
But what about all the kids who don’t have the benefit of the Y? How much different would their childhood experience be if they had these opportunities, too – a chance for active play, a safe place to go after school, an adult role model in their life who cares, a chance to learn teamwork and respect for others?
You can do your part to ensure that every child in our community who wants to be a Y kid can be one. And not just every child, but every young adult just starting out, every family facing tough times, every senior who needs physical activity and a friendly smile, and every person with disabilities who wants to play just like everyone else.
You can create a better us by giving to our Annual Campaign.
Last year, we provided $928,089 in mission impact in the two-county area by offering direct financial assistance with membership and programs, providing subsidies, opening our facility to other nonprofits, delivering community education, and partnering with fellow nonprofits to help us move forward, together.
Because of you, that level of mission impact is possible.
For the next several weeks, staff and members just like you will be sharing the Y’s cause of strengthening community and asking you to join that cause by making a meaningful gift to the campaign. As of this publication, we’ve already raised $72,000 with gifts from staff, board and 39 leadership donors who have given at the Banner Circle ($1,000 and above) level.
Now I’m asking you to do your part.
I know you’re busy. We’re all busy. I’m asking you to spend just a few minutes learning more about the Y’s cause and considering a gift. You can
- visit our mission impact page online
- pick up a campaign brochure in our branches
- read a letter or email when it arrives in your mailbox
- or, maybe you’re a little old-fashioned, like me, and you’ll talk in person with one of our staff or volunteers.
Whatever works for you, learn more about how together, we can unlock potential, prevent drowning, stay healthy longer, combat youth obesity, teach kids how to read, ensure opportunities for all, and guarantee access for everyone.
Make your gift today. #BeCauseY #FindYourY