The YMCA of the Chesapeake gathered with donors at Scossa Restaurant & Lounge on Monday night for the annual donor appreciation dinner. Attendees represented branches in the northern region of the Eastern Shore including:Cecil, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Dorchester counties. Donors received an update on the outreach efforts, programs and financial assistance provided through the YMCA of the Chesapeake.
In 2018, the YMCA of the Chesapeake gave away $1,750,000 in financial aid to over 16,000 individuals and families across the region. Additionally, the Y spent $200,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves. These programs are offered free of charge to participants and examples include: Summer Learning and Summer Meals, Early Learning and Camp Lazy Days.
While updating the group, Robbie Gill, CEO of the YMCA of the Chesapeake talked about the growth the Y has experienced over the last decade. “The Y has grown to a level that we could talk all night about the work the Y has done, but without the resources provided by the people in this room many of these programs wouldn’t exist”.
The guest speaker for the evening was YMCA staff member, Kevin Carroll, the lead counselor for Camp Lazy Days. This program is one of the YMCA’s signature outreach programs in Talbot County, offering a 5-week camp for children with special needs. The camp is provided at no cost to the families. Carroll shared how his experience as a camp counselor changed his career path and led him to a life of service as a special needs teacher. He went on to thank donors for their continued support to the Y and Camp Lazy Days.
Gill offered a final word of thanks, “Your continued investment and support of these programs is laying a foundation to change the lives of kids, individuals and families. As staff we are the fortunate ones that get to see it and live it everyday and it is amazing. But without you guys it would not be possible, so thank you for keeping the Y in your hearts.”
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and the largest Human Service organization on the Eastern Shore of Maryland; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore Ys engage 40,000 members; men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the shore’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2018, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $1,750,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. www.ymcachesapeake.org
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.