The YMCA of the Chesapeake recently announced that its 2011 Strong Kids Campaign exceeded its fundraising goal of $225,000, raising $280,000 from 308 donors. The Strong Kids Campaign keeps the Y available for kids and families who need it. With the help of grants, member and community support, the YMCA of the Chesapeake will award over $375,000 in financial assistance in 2011, over 10 times the amount awarded seven years ago.
Bob Perkins, Chairman of the YMCA of the Chesapeake Board of Directors, comments, “Through the work of volunteer solicitors and the generosity of the community, we exceeded our goal. Today, 35 percent of the children in our county are living at the poverty level. There is a need in the community and the Y is filling it.” Programs supported by the Campaign include the YMCA’s day camp, Camp Lazy Days, dinner club, St. Michaels youth program, afterschool programs, Caroline County wellness programs, Queen Anne’s County afterschool program and overall YMCA membership and programs.
According to Gill, “In a world that can be so cynical, it is wonderful to be able to say ‘yes’ to people. We had faith we would meet the community need.”
At the cele ation, Shirley Gooch, Chairperson of the 2011 Strong Kids Campaign, and a YMCA member since the 1960s, added, “The YMCA is a second home to a lot of people who come here. For children in our community, it is a home away from home. The Strong Kids Campaign makes this happen for children... in a few years they will be the adults in this community. We are then the beneficiaries of our own giving.”
For further information about donating to the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, contact F. Graham Lee, Chief Development Officer, YMCA of the Chesapeake, at 410-822-0566.
