YWCA announces special celebration and campaign

VW independent staff/submitted information

In September of 1916, the YWCA of Van Wert County opened its doors to provide a safe residence to young single women who were seeking employment and an independent life beyond their family farms. At the time, founder George Marsh’s vision was considered bold, and little did he and the first YWCA residents know that, 110 years later, these pioneers were shaping the organization’s future mission.

Today, the YWCA empowers youth and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to build safe, independent futures similar to that of the very first YWCA residents.

The YWCA will be commemorating this significant milestone by launching “YW 110,” a year-long campaign to raise $50,000 for their new 30,000 square foot facility that will be constructed on Lincoln Highway across from the Marsh Foundation.

The new facility will provide safe, dignified living spaces for survivors, support the growing needs of the Summer Food Program, and provide expansion of youth programming to serve more children and families in the community.

“For more than a century, the YWCA has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community,” said Kimberly Laudick, YWCA President and CEO. “As we celebrate 110 years, we look forward to continuing and enhancing our current programs, adding new program opportunities, and serving future generations from our new facility for the next 110 years.”

The YWCA will kick off the YW 110 Campaign with a 110th anniversary celebration and reverse raffle from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, at R Place Stone Grill in Van Wert. Only 110 raffle tickets will be sold at $50 each, with the final ticket drawn winning a cash prize of $1,110. Reverse raffle numbers will be drawn live on Facebook at the top of each hour beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing through 2 p.m that day until only 10 tickets remain. Email updates will be provided for participants who do not use social media. The final 10 tickets will be drawn live during the anniversary celebration at R Place Stone Grill, with the winning ticket announced at 8 p.m. As a thank you for supporting the campaign, each raffle ticket holder will receive one complimentary drink during the celebration.

“The anniversary party is open to all members of the community and will be a fun way for our community to engage in our efforts to raise $50,000 over the next 12 months,” Laudick said.

Reverse raffle tickets will be available for purchase beginning Monday, August 3 at the Visit Van Wert office, 140 E. Main St., between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. A limited number of tickets will be available at the front desk of the YWCA, 408 E. Main St. between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Additionally, YWCA board members also have tickets for purchase. A list of YWCA board members may be found on the YWCA website (https://ywcavanwert.org/our-team).

A commemorative logo was created for the YW 110 campaign to reflect the YWCA’s vision of honoring its history while continuing to grow and expand its impact. The design symbolizes the YWCA’s roots in the community and a commitment to growing programs for the future. The color palette incorporates elements of the traditional YWCA brand while introducing the colors that will be used within the new facility. The number 110 will be a focal point in the yearlong campaign, as well.

“Our goal is to inspire 110 donors to make a one-time, tax-deductible gift of $110 and another 110 supporters to commit to a recurring donation of just $11 per month,” said Julie Schaufelberger, YWCA Director of Outreach and Communication. “This campaign is an opportunity for people of all ages—especially younger donors—to join our mission and make an impact in supporting our new facility.”

Additional giving opportunities include a recurring gift of $110 per month for 12 months or a one-time contribution of $1,110. Supporters who contribute $1000 or more will be recognized on the donor wall in the new YWCA facility. Donations may be made via credit card at https://ywcavanwertcounty.betterworld.org/

For more information about the YWCA Capital Campaign, visit the YWCA website at www.ywcavanwert.org or contact Kimberly Laudick via email at klaudick@ywcavanwertcounty.org.

The YWCA of Van Wert County is an agency of the United Way of Van Wert County and is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation.