Hastings YMCA Kicks Off Strong Kids Campaign

YMCA FUNDRAISER KICKS OFF; GOAL TO RAISE $ 45,000

Annual Strong Kids Campaign Helps Kids in Need Join YMCA Programs
The Hastings Family YMCA today announces the kick-off of its 2008 Strong Kids campaign, a fundraising effort to increase support for the Hastings Family YMCA’s scholarship fund.  Proceeds from the Strong Kids Campaign will fund scholarships that allow children and families who otherwise may not be able to, to benefit from family strengthening YMCA programs such as child care, day camp and programs for at-risk youth.

YMCA Chief Executive Office Michael Krings and YMCA board members joined YMCA staff and members at a campaign kick-off meeting to officially launch the campaign on Monday, March 3, 2008.

Dan Yost, member of the Hastings Family YMCA Board of Directors, is leading the campaign effort as the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign Chairperson.

“We are proud to be able to meet the growing needs of our community by providing financial assistance for individuals and families who want and need YMCA programs but may not otherwise be able to afford them,” said Yost.  “Our goal is to raise $ 45,000 to provide scholarships for children and families from all income levels to participate in YMCA programs.”

At the heart of community life in Hastings, Nebraska, the mission-driven YMCA is “a place to belong” and to live the values that guide and unite our members: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.  The YMCA provides a special opportunity for kids and adults to join life-changing and life-saving programs such as day camp, child care, youth sports, water safety, before and afterschool care, and summer camp.

 “Children and families in our community need and deserve the family-oriented programs and services the YMCA can provide," said Yost. "Few things are more important than a healthy lifestyle, strong community, positive role models and quality time spent together as a family. This is a critical campaign for the future of our community, and I am honored to be involved.”

The YMCA offers kids and families the chance to make positive choices: Quality child care opportunities mean parents can work to improve their quality of life; youth sports programs give kids the chance to belong to a team devoted to making a positive difference; and healthy lifestyle programs give everyone in the family the chance to lead healthier, more productive lives.

Last year the Hastings Family YMCA support campaign raised funds which allowed many kids and families to participate in programming and activities at the Hastings Family YMCA. Last year, the Hastings Family YMCA gave out approximately $ 40,000 in scholarships.

For information regarding how you can make a difference by donating to the Hastings Family YMCA Strong Kids Campaign 2008, contact the Hastings Family YMCA at 402-463-3139 or visit either of our Hastings locations.

The nation’s 2,617 YMCAs serve more than 20.2 million people each year, including 9.5 million children, uniting men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs serve America’s children, families and communities by “building healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”