Valparaiso Family YMCA 2015 Campaign Goal $225,000- funding over 62% to Goal

YMCA-Red-PurpleThe Y would like to thank our community members who have contributed to this year’s Annual Campaign. This campaign assists the Y in providing scholarship assistance to low income individuals, those with disabilities, and social service agencies so that everyone who seeks better health and well-being has access to the facilities and programs of the Valparaiso Family YMCA. It is the Mission of the Y that not any individual be turned away due to the inability to pay. Through this commitment and the generosity of our supporters, we are able to give back $4 to the community for every $1 that is donated to this cause.

A mother with a special needs child talks about how the Y helps her son,” My son is 19 years old and has Down syndrome. Everyone helps him at every level to reach his goal to be the very best and greet him with respect at the Y. He was chosen to go to the Special Olympics National Games for swimming and won a Gold Medal. He is safe here at the Y and The Y staff has made him a part of their family.”

Co-Chair of the Annual Community Assistance Drive, Dawn Collins reflects on what it means to help others with this campaign. “When we think of the Y we often think primarily of physical fitness; sports, group exercise, swim, weight lifting, etc. But to me the Y has always meant so much more. Participation at any level can inspire healthy minds, hearts, and souls, as well as healthy bodies. The sense of belonging to the Y family is shared by members, volunteers and staff. Children, adults, and seniors alike can each find wholesome, fun, and sometimes challenging activities to join in, and friends to share their experiences with. It is our privilege and responsibility to open our hearts to the members of our community who would benefit from the services we provide, by volunteering and raising funds to support the programs that would allow them to participate, even if they cannot pay.” In the words of John Bunyan-"You have not lived today, until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."

To make a contribution to the annual campaign, please contact Donna Demko at ddemko@valpoymca.org 219 462 4185, ext. 351.

Thank you for making it possible for others to live, grow and thrive at the Y!