The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County has kicked off its annual campaign to raise funds for membership subsidies and program scholarships in the community.
YMCA staff, board members, fitness instructors, volunteers and more are preparing to launch a first-of-its-kind Annual Campaign for the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County. Under the guidance of new CEO Christie Thornton, each member of several campaign teams are making calls, compiling lists, reviewing the Y’s impact and preparing for a truly community-based fundraising drive.
The campaign, set to launch October 26, will raise $85,000 to bolster the Y’s Membership Assistance Program, which subsidizes the cost of membership dues, childcare costs and program registration fees for those facing financial hardship. These funds will connect more of the local community to regular exercise and recreation, child care and afterschool activities, evidence-based community health programs and the sense of community found at the Y.
The impact of these programs is felt by those of all ages across Tompkins County. So far in 2022, the organization has provided after-school programs for 88 children in four school districts; held 1,500 group exercise classes; trained 55 local community lifeguards; taught over 900 group swim lessons and 1,500 private lessons; accommodated over 1,000 child watch reservations; welcomed 2,200 visits to the free Neighborhood Food Hub; served 350+ senior members; and provided 52 people with special programs to manage conditions like arthritis, obesity, hypertension and risk of falling.
“The YMCA is an integral part of the communities in which we serve. The Annual Campaign gives us the platform for us to touch the lives of so many individuals,” said Christie Thornton, CEO of the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County. “Whether we are teaching youth water safety, providing essential child care or activities for our senior citizens, the Y is here, for everyone.”
The giving campaign will be augmented by other volunteer and member-driven programs like a Dance-a-Thon, support from community partners and local businesses and more. As a cause-driven, non-profit organization, the YMCA receives funds to provide membership assistance through individual donations, the United Way Community Care Fund and the Annual Campaign.
To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact Christie Thornton, Chief Executive Officer, at 607-257-0101, cth[email protected], or by visiting www.ithacaymca.com/donate.
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