YM kicks off 2016 fundraising campaign

VW independent/submitted information

The YMCA of Van Wert County is kicking off its 2016 annual board fundraising campaign.

The YMCA’s volunteer Board of Directors has set an annual board campaign goal of $35,000, with nine local businesses kicking off the campaign with contributions totaling $9,000.

The YMCA’s financial aid program has not changed over the years.

“The YMCA has directed a majority of the money raised towards our mission to help the at-risk children and families in our community,” said 2016 YMCA Campaign Chair Eric McCracken. “However, our outreach has expanded and we are also reaching out to other underserved groups of individuals including disabled individuals and military personnel.

“This makes 2016 annual board campaign even that much more important,” McCracken added.

The YMCA now provides free memberships for all disabled veterans and their families, no-cost memberships for families of deployed soldiers, free access for members of the 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 many other underserved groups the opportunity to utilize the YMCA facilities to improve mind, spirit and body,” said co-chair Todd Wallace. “Our 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,” Wallace added. “As part of the YMCA mission, we attempt to reach as many needy individuals in our community as possible.

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 2015 annual board campaign, YMCA board members and staff donated over $12,000.”

The YMCA supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Those interested in supporting the YMCA can donate now on its website at www.vwymca.org or contact Heather at heather@vwymca.org or Kristin at kristin@vwymca.org.

To donate to the campaign, contact any board member or Y staff, visit online at www.vwymca.org or call 419.238.0443.