It’s one of the many ways that the YMCA practices Social Responsibility. The Y is a charitable cause and, as such, we raise funds during the Annual Campaign to ensure that all community members have access to the Y, and continue to advance programs and services that meet growing community needs. Each of the branches within the Gateway Region YMCA is conducting its own Annual Campaign with its own financial and awareness-building goals. The dollars raised toward each of these goals will stay within that Y community so each YMCA will continue to have positive impact where there’s greatest need.
When is it?
All of the Y facilities and program sites that are part of the Gateway Region YMCA are holding their Annual Campaigns right now! The campaign will wrap up in late March. During this campaign season, our overall goal for the association is $3,007,000. To date, our members, community partners, staff and donors have helped us to reach the $1,200,000 mark!
How can you get involved?
Become a Campaigner/Storyteller – We are always looking for folks who are willing to share their Y stories and ask others to join them in supporting the Y. Campaigners will receive training and support throughout the campaign to be able to ask other members, friends and family members to donate to the Y. Interested? Contact the branch executive at your local Y.
Become a donor – You could be one of the many supporters of the Y through the Annual Campaign. Your gift will ensure that the Y can continue to create opportunities for all! You can give today, or contact the Y in your neighborhood to learn more.
Tell me again why the YMCA holds an Annual Campaign?
Well, when the Y comes into a community with a facility, programs, and/or services, we are making a promise to that community. The promise is essentially that we’ll support them and our neighbors to ensure the Y is accessible to all. When we hold the Annual Campaign, it’s the vehicle to create awareness and to raise necessary funds so we can keep our promise.
Each of the 24 YMCA facilities within the Gateway Region YMCA raises funds for programs and services that are a priority in their community. These funds will support Y offerings like: financial assistance for membership; access to Y Club before and after school sites; enrollment into summer camp experiences; support for swimming lessons; and many other opportunities.
This article was written by Angie Peters, Vice President of Philanthropy