Residents Spin Their Way to Raise $30K for Attleboro YMCA

The downtown branch was humming on Saturday as a gym full of “spinners” raised funds as part of the Y’s fourth Annual Best Friends’ Fundraising Campaign.

The overall goal of the spinathon is to raise $30,000 this year in support programs and services offered to people, regardless of their ability to pay, according to Cyndee Goodinson-Lindsay, the Y's health and welness director. 

"In today’s economy without a doubt there are more people than ever who need our help," she said. 

Bruce Thompson, chairman of this year’s spinathon remarked on the importance of the event, “We are helping kids and families without anyone knowing whose getting the financial assistance. This is true giving and caring.”

Each team of 10 spinners on two bikes works towards raising a $1,000 goal. Attleboro resident and owner of , Mike Keane offered half price haircuts to clients who made a donation to his spinning team. He raised $800 in no time.

Last year, more than $250,000 was provided in financial assistance to more than 1,700 residents from Attleboro and Norton. According to Goodinson, families who otherwise couldn’t afford swimming lessons for their kids, a week at summer camp or a Y membership are being helped through the Y’s Best Friends fundraisers.

“We’re here today to provide equal access to our programs,” Goodinson said. 

Scholarship applications are available for families who are experiencing a wide variety of difficulties some are struggling to support their families, whether through loss of a job, low income or single parent homes.

“I believe you have to help the community," Attleboro spinner, Valentina Videva said. I have young children and a wonderful husband.  I just can’t imagine how hard it is for the kids of working, single parents.”

“Being a teacher, I know there are so many kids who do not have the opportunity to attend summer camp," Sue Keane, an Attleboro resident and spinner said.  Giving those kids the opportunity for a fun summer makes me happy."

The Attleboro YMCA has never closed its doors to anyone, according to Goodinson. "Last summer 62 campers attended Y day camp with their fees paid by more than $14,000 from the Best Friends’ Campaign."

After an hour of spinning, 10-year-old, best friends and Y members, Shannon O’Connor and Jack Lichtenstein barely broke a sweat! “The Y’s fun," O'Connor said. "Doing this is great! It's all for kids who can’t afford it."

Lichenstein agreed, “It’s pretty cool that I’m helping other kids get a chance to do all the things at the Y that I love doing, biking, swimming, basketball and running on the track.” 

“Kids who, if not for the Best Friends’ Campaign, would be returning from school to an empty home are benefitting from being at the Y," Goodinson said. "They are learning respect, responsibility, honesty and caring."

That special Y caring was certainly evident as hundreds of spinners enthusiastically gave of their time so others could enjoy the rewards of the Y.