YMCA kicks off Annual Board Campaign

YMCA of Van Wert County information

The YMCA recently kicked off its 2014 Annual Board Campaign. The YMCA volunteer board of directors has set an annual board campaign goal of $40,000. Cooper Farms has kicked off the campaign with a donation of $2,000.  The YMCA’s financial aid program has not changed over the years.

“While we have remained focused on our mission to help the at-risk children and families in our community, our need for support continues to grow as we have added several groups to the growing list of people who receive low or no cost memberships” stated Shad Foster, 2014 campaign co-chair.

The YMCA now provides free memberships for all disabled vets and their families, free fitness classes for low income seniors at Homestead Village, free fitness classes at the Council on Aging, no cost memberships for families of deployed soldiers, free access for military on leave, free access to all delayed entry servicemen and their recruiters and financial assistance to Thomas Edison adults who participate in the MRSI program.

Money raised through the Annual Board Campaign will provide low-income individuals, families, at-risk children and all those listed above the opportunity to utilize the YMCA facilities to improve mind, spirit and body. The YMCA’s largest group of financial aid recipients is needy and at-risk children. For these children, the YMCA has become not only a place to come and socialize with their peers, but also for many it has become a place for healthy adult supervision and encouragement.

“As part of the YMCA mission, we attempt to reach as many needy individuals in our community as possible” stated Rob Gamble, 2014 campaign co-chair.

Financial assistance is made possible by this campaign and partial funding by United Way.

“The board of directors and YMCA staff are committed to continuing the legacy of one of the oldest not-for-profits in Van Wert County,” said YMCA Executive Director Hugh Kocab. “During the 2013 Annual Board Campaign, YMCA board members and staff donated over $8,500.”

Those interested in supporting the YMCA can donate now at www.vwymca.org or contact Heather at heather@vwymca.org or Kristin at kristin@vwymca.org. Those interested in donating to the campaign can contact any board member, Y staff, visit the YMCA online at www.vwymca.org or call 419.238.0443.