Greater Beverly YMCA raises $75,000 in matching gift challenge. Donor writes $150,000 check.

Beverly, MA – The Greater Beverly YMCA today accepted its largest annual operating gift from a single donor in the amount of $150,000 from Mr. Ralph Bates of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass. 

Mr. Bates made a $75,000 gift to support the Y and offered an additional $75,000 if the Y could raise matching funds. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Y met that challenge, raising $75,000 by the May 17th deadline. 

At today’s check presentation ceremony, Judith Cronin, Executive Director of the Greater Beverly YMCA celebrated and thanked Mr. Bates for his incredible generosity.

“Ralph presented us with this matching gift challenge and I knew we would succeed in raising the money,” said Judith Cronin, Executive Director of the Greater Beverly YMCA. “I want to thank Ralph for his generosity and deep desire to help those in need. I also want to thank our community for their support of this fundraising campaign. With these donations, we’ll be able to provide even more opportunities to our neighbors who count on the Y for childcare and summer camp as well as youth development and healthy lifestyle programs.”

One-in-five people receive financial assistance each year at the Greater Beverly Y totaling more than $700,000. This gift will have a huge impact on children, adults and families in the area.

“I feel so bad about people who don’t have anything,” said Mr. Bates. “I used to be a member of the Woburn Y many years ago and I would go there to play basketball. I thought that was what the Y was all about, until I met the folks at the Greater Beverly Y. They told me about the great charitable work they do. I know they help a lot of people.”
 
100% of every donation to the YMCA’s Y For All Annual Campaign supports the Y's Financial Assistance Program. Through financial assistance, the Y provides essential programs and services to local children, families and individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford them.
 
From early education programing, affordable housing, summer camp scholarships, membership assistance and health and wellness programs for all ages, the Y has something for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. It is the  mission of the Y to never have to turn anyone away.

PHOTO: Right to Left: Ralph Bates, Beth Francis (YMCA of the North Shore Chief Development Officer), James Polese (Morgan Stanley), Greg Meahl (Greater Beverly YMCA Board Member) and Judith Cronin (Greater Beverly YMCA Executive Director).