GREENFIELD — About three weeks after Franklin County’s YMCA kicked off its annual fundraising efforts, $91,150 has been collected to support scholarships for YMCA memberships.
The Y has set a goal of raising $165,000, which could fund hundreds of scholarships, depending on what membership levels are requested, according to CEO Wesley Jackson. An adult membership costs $46 per month, senior memberships cost $42 per month and families with two adults pay $68 monthly.
“It all depends on the level that each person needs,” Jackson said. “It’s hard to say exactly until people go through the sign-up process.”
The scholarship program can offer up to 60% discounts on YMCA memberships, and financial need is calculated based on proof of income, including pay stubs and tax return information.
Jackson said the scholarship fund is supported by donations from local businesses, YMCA members and other individuals. The annual fundraising dinner was held at The Farm Table in Bernardston in March, and the Y is still looking to contact community members through emails and phone calls to ask them for donations.
“Our annual campaign exists for one simple reason: to make sure that no one in our community is turned away from Franklin County’s YMCA because of an inability to pay,” Jackson said during the fundraising kickoff event in March. “The funds raised provide scholarships so that every child, every family and every individual has the opportunity to experience everything the Y has to offer.”
During the kickoff event, Y members and scholarship recipients Sarah, Bart and Atticus Rankin shared that the scholarship made it possible for their family to attend swim lessons and gymnastics, and improve their health as a family. The family visits the YMCA together five mornings per week.
“For over a decade, we were recipients of the very scholarship program we’re here to support tonight,” they shared. “Because of the generosity of many of you and people like you in the community, we’ve been able to have these experiences together. Because of all of you, we are a YMCA family.”
The annual fundraising drive will continue for a few more weeks, although Jackson said people can donate anytime at your-y.org/donate, and “any help that people can give is appreciated.”
“It’s not just a building. It’s not just programs,” Jackson said at the kickoff event. “It’s people. It’s connection. It’s belonging. That is what the annual campaign makes possible.”
Staff Writer Anthony Cammalleri contributed reporting.
