YMCA launches 2014 community support campaign

The YMCA of Delaware has launched its 2014 annual community support campaign. The Y strives to make its memberships and programs widely affordable and accessible. In 2013, the Y awarded $2.5 million in financial assistance, in spite of the fact that just $1.2 million was raised.

“A common misconception about the Y is that membership dues contribute to the annual campaign. They do not. Membership dues are used to keep the facilities clean and up to date, the swimming pools open and our staff trained. Another misconception is that the Y is a for-profit company, and it is not. Locally, nationally, the YMCA is a nonprofit organization,” said Deborah Bagatta-Bowles, YMCA of Delaware chief executive officer.

In 2013 the Y served more than 100,000 people, had 18,500 children in its childcare and camping programs, and provided leadership development and academic support through its Youth in Government Program, Leaders Clubs, and Black Achievers Program.

The Y Diabetes Prevention Program helped improve overall health in 92 percent of its 413 participants. This evidence-based health initiative, a model for the nation, provided Eat Play Live, a childhood obesity prevention program which promotes daily activity and healthy eating. Water Wise programs helped thousands of children in the state.

“We need to educate folks that we are more than a place to exercise or swim. We are an organization that does vital work for families thanks to the dollars the community raises,” said John Pierson, “and I’m going to see that we keep doing great work.”

To learn more about how to support the YMCA cause, contact Pierson, director of Annual Giving, at 302-571-6962 or email jpierson@ymcade.org.