YMCA Board Members Jon Williamson, Karen Ream, Dan McGrady and Tom Oney
The Marion Family YMCA launched its annual campaign on Monday, March 17, 2014 with the goal of ensuring that everyone in the Marion area has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Larry Babich, Annual Campaign General Chair, said that the Marion Family YMCA works every day to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues including childhood obesity, chronic diseases and school readiness.
“Throughout Marion, countless people know the Y. But there’s so much more to our Y than one might think,” said Babich. “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 nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors.”
This year, the Marion Family YMCA hopes to raise $110,000. Fifty volunteers are currently out telling the Y’s story and asking their friends, neighbors and co-workers to join them in supporting the Y’s work of strengthening community. Funds raised will support financial assistance with membership and program fees for those in financial distress, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program for adult cancer survivors, School Days Out for elementary school-age children and preschool scholarships to help prepare young children for kindergarten.
Babich said that last year, charitable gifts from YMCA donors helped make it possible for 150 low-income youth to build self-confidence through youth sports, 256 elementary school-age participants to practice positive social skills at School Days Out and 3,500 youth, teens and adults to improve their well-being as Y members. In addition, 30% of students in the Y’s Preschool receive financial assistance with their school tuition. In 2014, campaign funds will also help adults diagnosed with cancer restore their well-being through LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.
To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, you can contact Theresa Lubke or Carrie Guyton at the Marion Family YMCA 740-725-9622 or 645 Barks Road East Marion, or visit www.marionymca.org for more information.
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