Everyone occasionally gets the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who they come into contact with. Sometimes it’s a large difference, other times it is smaller. Sometimes it’s a daily difference, other times it’s less frequent.
But it does make a difference.
The YMCA, as an organization, also gets that chance and like individuals, sometimes the differences are game changers, other times they are less significant, but important nonetheless.
The Richmond Hill YMCA is dedicated to being game changers. Every day when Mary Arocha and her team open the Y’s doors, they are ready to help the youth of our community, teach healthy living habits and social responsibility, help with physical and spiritual fitness and be a force for positive change.
But change never comes without financial commitment. It is paid for by people like you, sometimes in larger donations, but more often in smaller gifts.
The Richmond Hill YMCA is in the midst of its annual fundraising campaign.
It is a campaign built upon smaller pledges from area businesses and individuals. According to Caryn Thornton, local campaign chairman, this year’s goal is $60,000.
People have begun making their pledges, some very small and some larger, but every pledge makes a difference. One hundred percent of every dollar raised goes to benefit local programs and people.
A gift of $50 provides two months of support for a mother and child in the Mommy & Me Gymnastics Program. A gift of $100 strengthens and encourages two children by allowing them to participate in a season of youth soccer. A gift of $250 keeps a child from an economically challenged family safe after school by providing two months of after-school care. Larger gifts can help teens with health challenges and adults with type 2 diabetes.
Major donors the first week of the campaign include:
- Kelly Chiropractic
- The Hupman Group at Keller Williams
- Geo Vista Credit Union
- Brad and Carrie Brookshire
- Balbo and Gregg, Attorneys at Law, P.C.
- McDonald’s in Richmond Hill
- Daughtry ATA Martial Arts
Their financial commitment is supporting the YMCA mission and strengthening the community around them.
Your commitment can provide direct financial assistance for those who can’t afford program and membership fees. Other Y groups that benefit from your financial assistance include Teen Achievers, Healthy Kids Day, Spinal Cord Injury Program, YMCA Community Outreach, etc.
Everyone occasionally finds themselves in a position of need. There’s no shame in that. The shame is if there isn’t anywhere to turn to seek assistance, when needed. Through your generous gift, of whatever amount, the Richmond Hill YMCA is making a difference in the lives of many who need assistance in our community. They are bringing smiles to the faces of those in need and every dollar is appreciated.
Call Arocha at 912-756-5856 for moreinformation. You, too, can be a game changer.
Scholar is a YMCA board member.