YMCA kicks off 2013 board campaign

YMCA of Van Wert County news

The YMCA recently kicked off its 2013 Annual Board Campaign. The YMCA volunteer board of directors has set an annual board campaign goal of $40,000. Dr. Shad Foster, Jim Robideau, and Aaron Mechling started the campaign with a combined donation of $5,300.

The YMCA’s goals for the financial aid program have not changed over the years. “While we have remained focused on our mission to help the at-risk children and families in our community, over the past 24 months and into 2013 we have added several other groups to the growing list of people who receive low or no cost memberships” stated Foster, the 2013 campaign chair.

The YMCA now provides free memberships for all disabled vets and their families, free fitness classes for low income seniors at Homestead Village, no-cost memberships for families of deployed soldiers, free access for military on leave, and free access to all delayed entry servicemen and their recruiters. New this year, the YMCA will be providing 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 largest group of financial aid recipients is made up of 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,” said YMCA Executive Director Hugh Kocab. 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,” Kocab added. “During the 2012 Annual Board Campaign, YMCA board members and staff donated over $8,000.”

The YMCA supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Those interested in supporting the YMCA can donate online at www.vwymca.org, contact any YMCA board member, call 419.238.0443 or email Heather at heather@vwymca.org or Kristin at kristin@vwymca.org.