Annual Support Campaign Kicks off March 18

The Somerset Valley YMCA is launching its annual campaign on March 18 to ensure that everyone in the community has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

 Each day, the Somerset Valley YMCA’s three branches work to support its neighbors by addressing community issues such as childhood obesity, sexual abuse prevention and drowning prevention. Y programs ensure children and teens have a safe place to learn, grow and thrive, and adults and families have the resources needed to stay healthy, active and connected to their communities.

 “Countless people know us as simply “the Y”. But there’s so much more to our Y than one might think,” said Valerie Giacopelli, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Somerset Valley YMCA, which has branches in Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville.

 “The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause. As a charity, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, giving back and providing support to our neighbors.” 

Hillsborough Branch member Kevin Buist said concern about his weight and health drove him to work with nutritionist Maeghan Scott in the Y’s Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyle program. As he learned how to control his craving for unhealthy foods, his diet changed and he lost weight, he  said.

 “My doctor was overjoyed. My cholesterol dropped; my triglyceride just plummeted,” said Mr.Buist, who added that support from members and staff has helped keep him on track.

The Y’s Annual Support campaign ensures all residents have access to the same life-enhancing services provided to Mr. Buist.

Last year, charitable gifts from YMCA donors helped 891 people, making it possible for 154 children to have a safe place to learn and build confidence in our Child Development Centers, afterschool programs and summer camps. Thanks to charitable donations, more than 130 children and adults learned to swim. Membership aid also flowed to 420 people in need, including people who lost their jobs.

The Y’s fundraising target for 2014 is $145,000. Money raised will support child care and education, camp, swim lessons, swim team membership, and health nd wellness services for those in need.

The Y’s Annual Campaign kick-off will take place at its annual meeting on March 18 at the Royce Brook Country Club in Hillsborough. The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

 To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please visit the Y’s giving website at http://ymca.net/give/give.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Yes engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net