Y kicks off Partners Campaign, assists local families

The Rockwall Family YMCA kicked off its annual Partners Campaign Monday with executive director Mike Atkins announcing a fundraising goal of $150,000 – money that will be used to ensure that “no child is turned away from the Y due to financial hardship.”

Members of the Y Board of Management, Y staff, city officials and community volunteers gathered with family and friends at Shenaniganz in Rockwall, where they enjoyed dinner and special guest speakers.

In addition to kicking off the campaign, they  were celebrating the start of another outstanding year of the Y “putting Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”

The Rockwall Family YMCA, located at 1210 N. Goliad St.,  has been serving families in Rockwall and surrounding communities since 1969. Last year, the Partners Campaign exceeded its fundraising goal of $142,000, providing financial assistance to more than 300 people.

“This year, the bar has been set even higher,” said Jon Bailey, Campaign Chairman.

This is Bailey’s second year as campaign chair. He motivated the crowd by noting that  that $63,000 has already been raised, putting the Partners Campaign at more than 40 percent of its 2012 goal.

A victory celebration is planned for Tuesday, March 6 – but the goal cannot be reached without the continued support and generosity of a giving community. Funds raised through the Partners Campaign will provide scholarships for underprivileged individuals and families in the area who would not otherwise be able to afford Y programs.

For the first time in 43 years, the Y recently unveiled a new logo – designed to bring renewed awareness of the Y and its promise to work side-by-side with neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to grow in spirit, mind and body at the Y.

Make a donation or get more information about the Y Partners Campaign.

A gift of $100 is enough to give a child the chance to play a youth sport, or to be water safe through swim lessons. A gift of $250 allows two children to participate in the Adventure Guide father/child program.

Three children can enjoy a week of summer fun and games at YMCA Day camp, with a donation of $500.  A gift of $750 provides a YMCA membership to a family for an entire year.  And $1,200 will provide funding for a special needs child to attend four weeks of Angel Camp.

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  Adventure Guides, aquatics, campaign, membership, partners, Rockwall, scholarships, Shenaniganz, YMCA