The YMCA in Greenfield’s 2016 Annual Campaign kicked off this week with a volunteer breakfast and a campaign goal of $150,000, or 6 percent more than the $142,000 raised last year.
Walter Boyd, the YMCA’s Board president, said “About 10 percent of the money raised in this annual campaign goes to provide financial subsidy for some of our Y’s youth and teen programs, but the majority is used to provide financial assistance dollars for children, adults, and families with modest income levels to join the YMCA and participate in our programs.”
During the event two members spoke about how being involved with the YMCA has changed their lives or their children’s lives. Millie Ruiz, a recent graduate of the Y’s doctor-referred Prescribe the Y program, spoke about how the program has helped her develop a regular exercise program. After a few months of exercise, she had lost 20 pounds and dropped her daily insulin usage from 26 units to none. Christina Jette, an active Y member and mother of two, enrolled in the Y’s year-round day-care program, shared how the Y helps her family every day get healthier and have a safe place to learn and play.
According to Bob Sunderland, executive director, “A successful campaign will keep our Sliding Fee Scale intact for 2016, allowing adults and children to participate in programs that will help them learn, grow and thrive. Funds from the 2015 Annual Campaign helped provide Sliding Fee Scale support so over 2,500 individuals with modest income levels could join the YMCA, participate in wellness and therapy programs, learn to swim, play sports, go to one of the Y’s many summer day camps, take gymnastics lessons or attend the YMCA’s Before & After-School Childcare program at a reduced fee.”
Almost 30 percent of Greenfield YMCA members and up to 60 percent of the children in programs are receiving some assistance with fees. The theme for the campaign is “The Y. For a better you. For a better community. For a better us. ”
Most people know the Y is a place to exercise, but exercise is just one way it fulfills its cause, which is to strengthen community.
Andy Killeen, campaign chairman, said “My campaign team is committed to reaching our dollar goal because we know how vital the YMCA is in helping people of all ages and abilities improve their wellness level and quality of life. Everyone, regardless of household income, needs the opportunity to grow, learn, exercise, and be a part of a caring community at our YMCA. I hope our 2015 donors will pledge again and our potential new donors will help our Y build strong kids and families.
“We set our 2016 goal 6 percent higher than last year because of the amount of financial aid we have provided and project to provide in 2016,” Killeen continued. “Since July of 2009 our annual financial aid support has more than doubled and we are on track to provide about $450,000 in assistance this fiscal year, or 16 percent of the Y’s total budget.”
“Beginning April 1, over 70 Y volunteers will be giving their money and time to help raise $150,000 for this year’s campaign. Our goal is to contact over 1,300 YMCA friends and Y members in only 18 days.” Killeen added.
The division leaders for the 2016 Campaign are: A.J. Bresciano, Sue Dillon, Kriste Joy and Liz Millner; the Major Gifts Chairwoman is Sue Welenc. Team captains are: Missy Tetreault, Wendy Blanchard, Bill Doyle, Ginny Desorgher, Bill Draper, Deb Klein, Marian Boyd, John F Cormican, Don Simms, Nancy Gifford, Nancy Pretto, Linda Dagilus, Mike Currie, Penny Ricketts and Shelby Snow.
The campaign runs from this week until April 18. If you would like a campaigner to contact you, or if you would like to help the YMCA make calls, or you would like some sliding fee scale information, call Tina Newton at the YMCA at 773-3646, ext. 411.
If you would like to make a credit card donation go to the Y’s website at ymcaingreenfield.org and click on the “Donate” button, call 773-3646, ext. 0 or send your check directly to the YMCA, Attn: Tina Newton, 451 Main St., Greenfield, MA 01301.