The Marion Family YMCA launched its annual campaign this week to ensure that everyone in Marion County has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Every day, the Marion Family YMCA works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues, such as school readiness, educational achievement, childhood obesity, and chronic diseases.
“Throughout Marion, countless people know the Y. But there’s so much more to our Y than one might think”, said John Scharer, President of the Marion Family YMCA Board of Directors. “The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause. As a charity, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the community’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors.”
This year, the Marion Family YMCA hopes to raise $116,000. Funds raised will support LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA health and well-being program for adults diagnosed with cancer; School Days Out a safe and nurturing program for elementary students on school vacation days; and financial assistance for Y membership and program fees, including Y Preschool that helps prepare young learners for kindergarten.
Last year, charitable gifts from YMCA donors made it possible for 282 participants to practice positive social skills and have a safe place on school vacation days through Y School Days Out; for 21 adults diagnosed with cancer to improve their well-being through LIVESTRONG at the YMCA; for over 1,200 low-income youth to engage in positive activity through a Y membership; and for low-income preschool children to be ready for a life-time of learning through Y Preschool.
The YMCA Annual Campaign officially kicked off Tuesday, March 10 with a day of information and activity at the Y. This year’s campaign Co-Chairs are John Scharer and Spencer Mathews. They are leading 55 volunteers who are out in the community telling the Y story to their friends, neighbors and co-workers.
To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact Theresa Lubke, Marion Family YMCA Executive Director 740-725-9622, or visit marionymca.org/donate for more information.
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