Strong Kids Campaign Exceeds Goal
Fifth Year in a Row!
The generosity of our members and community has been proven once again! Each year the YMCA conducts the Strong Kids Campaign which raises money for both financial assistance as well as to support youth programs. The 2009 goal was set at $42,000. In the end, the final pledged total was $49,726! The campaigners exceeded goal for the fifth year in a row! “Once again, I am humbled by the hard work of our campaigners and the generosity of our members and community,” states Branch Executive Suzanne Woodward. “When times are tough for many, they have still dug deep to support the YMCA.” Forty-eight campaigners, led by captains Butch Sorrells, Mark Read, Eric Ebbing, Rhonda Johnson, Debbie Hooker, Sue Kenady, Dale Gadberry and Leigh Ann Buss worked for five weeks in February and March to accomplish this goal. Co-Chairs for the campaign were Mark Read and Dale Gadberry.
Money raised from the campaign supports the financial assistance program at the YMCA. No one is turned away from the YMCA based on inability to pay. A simple application can enable an individual or a family to receive a reduced rate on monthly membership rates as well as programs and classes. Rates can be discounted anywhere from 10% to 90% depending on the level of income and number of individuals supported in a household. “We have some members that pay only $5 or $6 a month to be a member,” reports Woodward. “Without this campaign, those rates would not be possible.”
In addition to the financial assistance program, money from the campaign is also used to support youth sports, summer day camps, toddler programs and the free use of rooms by community groups. Each year, over 400 children participate in some form of youth sports at the YMCA. Summer day camps provide a fun, safe environment for youth ages 6 to 12 years for eleven weeks during summer break. Each month a program is offered for toddlers that help them develop both physical and social skills. It is evident that through the help of the Strong Kids Campaign, the Mt. Sterling YMCA is fulfilling its mission of building strong kids, strong families and a strong community.
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