The YMCA is hoping to raise $500k from local businesses and corporations. Renewed efforts have paid off by increasing memberships, and activity enrollments, filling community needs. From the Hour:
In recent months, the YMCA has seen an increase in childcare enrollments, camp registration and memberships. At the end of 2007, the association was granted reallocation of a $350,000 state bond to begin immediate renovations to the pools and locker rooms and for installation of a new boiler and improved lighting. According to board president Glen LeBlanc, “We have launched this corporate giving campaign to build upon this momentum.”
“There are numerous corporations and businesses in Norwalk that already have a vested interest in this YMCA because their employees work out in our fitness center, swim in our pool or use our childcare for their kids,” says board member Maribeth Becker. For this reason, Becker believes asking them for a contribution that will sustain and grow their neighborhood Y is a good idea.
Board member Kathy Rorick is one of the people leading this initiative. “As a charitable organization serving a public purpose, the YMCA of Norwalk is dedicated to meeting the needs of the people who live and work in Norwalk — through programs for children and teens, activities for adults and seniors, childcare services for pre-schoolers and school-age children and financial assistance for its neighbors in need,” she said.
Rorick’s commitment to the YMCA stems from personal experience. “As a single parent, I depended on YMCA programs for my four boys when they were young. And I want to make sure that this YMCA is there for everyone else who needs it and can benefit from it.”
The YMCA of Norwalk has been making a positive impact on the quality of life in this community for 80 years. Michael Case joined the board last month because he is impressed with the association’s record of good works.
“Most people probably don’t even know some of the things the Y does — like supporting community groups and local organizations including Pivot Ministries, Norwalk After School Alliance, Department of Mental Retardation, The C Project, International Gospel Church, Keystone House and Word of Life Church and hosting free Safe Haven nights for Norwalk teens which feature activities, snacks and beverages,” he said.
LeBlanc points out that this effort is separate from the association’s annual Strong Kids campaign. “With Strong Kids we receive donations in the form of individual and matching gifts that range from $100 to $1,000.”
The YMCA has set an ambitious goal for this campaign — $500,000 — but LeBlanc says it is achievable. “Because we’re targeting the business sector with this campaign, the (requests) will be $5,000 at the low end and $50,000 at the high end.”
Anyone can make a donation to the YMCA of Norwalk Corporate Giving campaign by contacting Norwalk YMCA CFO Christine Kalakay at (203) 866-4425 x312.
source: The Hour, YMCA starts fundraising campaign, By Staff reports, February 17, 2008
