The Okmulgee County Family YMCA will soon kick off its annual Support Campaign with the goal of raising $60,000. The theme for the campaign is “Together, We Can Create a
The Okmulgee County Family YMCA will soon kick off its annual Support Campaign with the goal of raising $60,000.
The theme for the campaign is “Together, We Can Create a Better US.”
“This annual campaign helps to sustain the YMCA so we can continue to provide programs for youth, families and seniors as well as provide some of the financial assistance dollars for people of all ages and all income levels to join the YMCA and participate in our programs,” Kristin Cunningham, YMCA -Board President, said.
This year’s campaign will begin March 5 at 6 p.m. with a dinner and a presentation at the YMCA for all the campaign worker volunteers.
According to CEO Dolph Hayden, Okmulgee County is fortunate to have one of only 12 YMCA Associations in Oklahoma.
“Many small towns around the country have had to close or merge their YMCA’s because of lack of funding,” Hayden said. “That is why this sustaining campaign is critical to the Y being able to continue and grow to the benefit of our citizens.”
Most people know the Y as a place for gym and swim, but exercise is just one way the Y fulfills its cause, which is to strengthen the community.
“The annual campaign makes it possible for people of all walks of life to become part of a healthy and positive community,” Hayden said. “The YMCA facility is nearing its 35th year and the cost of maintaining it continue to rise. Keeping pace with the demands of today’s organizational risk management also takes a toll on the YMCA budget, every dollar counts.”
The Y is constantly evolving and developing programs in three areas of focus, Hayden said. Those areas are youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
“Over the past few years we have added or improved our offerings such as flag football, swim lessons, dance, cheer, group fitness, personal training, and youth sports,” he said. “We also continue to sponsor our signature programs such as Healthy Kids Day, Silver Sneakers and our Annual Sweet Heart Dance.”
Serving as co-campaign chairs are Sherry Conrady and Will Lowe. They are confident the campaign team is committed to reaching its funding goal.
More than 30 YMCA volunteers will be donating their money and time to help raise $60,000 during this year’s campaign.
Their goal is to contact more than 400 YMCA friends and members over a four week period.
The campaign runs through April 7.
Anyone interested in volunteer as a campaigner can contact the YMCA or attend the kickoff event. Those wishing to donate can also contact the Okmulgee County Family YMCA at 918-756-6677.
ABOUT THE Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.