The YMCA of the Chesapeake launched its annual giving campaign– the Strong Kids Campaign–to members and the general public beginning Monday, September 22 for all 6 branches of the Y. Funds raised through this annual campaign are used to make sure the Y is available to everyone.
“We are committed to never turning anyone away due to the inability to pay, said YMCA of the Chesapeake CEO Robbie Gill, “Currently one in five of our YMCA members receive financial assistance allowing them to participate at the Y.”
The YMCA of the Chesapeake has been a staple of the community since, 1954 supporting local needs and addressing crisis situations that arose. In addition to providing assistance for membership, funds raised by the Strong Kids campaign support outreach programs based on individual needs of the community.
Examples include Camp Lazy Days, a 5-week camp for children and young adults with special needs provided at no cost to families, Early Learning and Summer Learning programming aimed at closing the Achievement Gap for low-income children as well as programs for senior citizens helping them to stay active and engaged. As the needs of the community change and evolve so does the support the Y provides.
In 2013, the Y gave out over $500,000 in assistance to over 5,000 individuals, families and seniors across the region. The Strong Kids Campaign depends on the generosity of its members and the community to help people of all ages and from all walks of life to be more healthy, confident, connected and secure. The goal for 2014 is to raise $430,000.
“This support is vital to the communities we serve, so many people are still struggling and need us more than ever, said Heather Moore, Chief Development Office of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, that means we need to raise more funds.”
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 U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
To find out how you can support the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, you can go to www.ymcachesapeake.org or contact Kerry Foxwell at 410-822-0566.
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.