March 25, 2005

YMCA’s annual fundraising campaign raises almost $1.5 million

YMCA of Santa Clara Valley recently completed its annual fundraising effort, known as the Community Support Campaign, resulting in close to $1.5 million in contributions. This reflects a 6 percent increase over last year and the largest amount of money ever raised by the 138-year-old Santa Clara Valley nonprofit in its annual fundraising event.

“This year, in spite of the enormous tsunami relief efforts in Asia and other economic challenges our community continues to face here locally, the YMCA continues to be encouraged by the remarkable show of support and participation from its many volunteers and donors alike,” said Robb Hermanson, vice president of Financial Development.

Hermanson credits much of the YMCA’s success to the continued broad base of support the Y receives from over 800 campaigner volunteers, as well as a sustained body of nearly 8,000 annual donors, including more than 1,000 new donors this year.

In addition, he notes, “we promote face-to-face campaigning, while limiting the number of actual phone calls to our donors. Our campaigners are committed to the Y and see the work and mission of this organization delivered each and every day.”

The YMCA takes pride in noting that 100 percent of every dollar raised in its annual Community Support Campaign goes directly back into programs by way of providing financial assistance or full scholarships. The money raised by the YMCA:
- Provides financial assistance and scholarship subsidies for over 30,000 individuals and families.

- Provides opportunities for children and youth to participate in a variety of program services such as year-round child care, summer day care/camp, teen programs and youth sports.

- Provides complimentary family memberships to all activated National Guard and Reservists whose children and families have been most affected by foreign military assignments.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day challenges you to ‘Put Play in Your Day’ on April 2

YMCA of Santa Clara Valley invites you to celebrate YMCA Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 2, by participating in an activity-filled festival that celebrates the day’s key call to action, “Put Play in Your Day.”

Evergreen’s local branch, the East Valley Family YMCA, will offer free health screenings, nutrition workshops and a free YMCA sports water bottle to each guest participating in a facility tour. Kids can enjoy face painting, puppet shows, a 40-foot climbing wall demonstration, kids’ yoga and karate demos and indoor swimming relay races. Be sure to bring a towel and swimsuit.

Parents can get connected, too, by participating in activities with their kids and receiving free YMCA brochures with tips on raising healthy kids.

“With 9 million U.S. children overweight—more than double the percentage in 1980—increasing the levels of physical activity in the lives of our children is a critical component of this country’s efforts to fight childhood obesity,” said Dave Thornton, president and CEO of the YMCA of Santa Clara Valley.

“Statistics say that in our valley alone, 25 percent of our children are considered overweight, and the YMCA of Santa Clara Valley is committed to helping these young people get healthier,” he added.

In a New England Journal of Medicine study released in March, scientists said, “The youth of today may, on average, live less healthy and possibly even shorter lives than their parents.”

East Valley Family YMCA is located at 1975 S. White Road, San Jose, (408) 715-6500.