Rockwall, TX (March 7, 2025) – Hundreds of community members turned out for a day long exciting carnival at J.E.R. Chilton YMCA – a fun time for a great cause!
Y Day of Giving (YDOG) began early as days usually do at the Y – with friends gathered to welcome each other, participate in, and show support for their favorite programs, and learn about innovative programs. As the festivities went on, kids played games, enjoyed hot dogs, and had a wonderful time with friends and family members. Even more joined in on the Swim-a-thon, diving into cannonballs and swimming laps to support the Rockwall YMCA branch.
The reason? All of this was for an especially important purpose – to make the YMCA programs accessible to all!
As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the YMCA mission is dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. To accomplish their mission the YMCA provides a wide range of programs for all ages and stages of life and will provide financial assistance for those who qualify.
“YDOG is a fun way to highlight some key programs like our Angel Camp, which serves youth with special needs, and our Safety Around Water program providing lifesaving skills to those most at risk,” says Stacie Renfro, Associate Executive Director/Membership Director. “I love seeing our YMCA families enjoying their time together at the Y, sharing our mission, and providing food and fun activities makes for a great time!”
The goal of making YMCA programs accessible to all means that providing scholarships is an important part of the mission. “We do not want anyone to be excluded for financial reasons,” says Harold Young, District Executive Director. “Thanks to the generosity of J.E.R. Chilton YMCA donors, numerous scholarships are provided each year allowing those in need to reap the benefits of programs building healthy minds, bodies, and spirits.”
Programs and support like that helps communities like Rockwall grow and thrive.
Member of the Rockwall YMCA Board of Managers and Annual Campaign co-chair, Eric Stacey, has been an avid supporter of the YMCA for years. “The Y is a great connector of people,” says Stacey. “There is such a great energy around everything the Y does. Seeing all the people that come by to show their support during the annual campaign and throughout the year is exciting.”
Building strong communities takes programs supporting all ages and life stages. In addition to fitness classes and programs, J.E.R. Chilton YMCA also offers, day camps, youth sports, senior health programs, monthly Lunch & Learn presentations, family fun nights, and much more. Two unique programs, Angel Camp (for special needs youth) and Safety Around Water (providing swim assessments and water safety skills) are completely funded through the generosity of individuals and organizations close to home.
“The Angel Camp is my absolute favorite program,” says Stacey. “Knowing that these young people might not otherwise enjoy these kinds of learning and social activities, it is an amazing thing to provide this to the kids, at no cost to the families at all.”
The support of all those how contribute, in partnership with the dedication of the local YMCA staff, is making a significant impact and lasting difference on the lives of people right here in our community.
If you want to help support local programs, you may donate to the YMCA online at https://p2p.onecause.com/ymcadallas2025/donate
The YMCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit social services organization dedicated to Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
Blue Ribbon News Staff Report. Photos by BRN Media.
J.E.R. Chilton YDOG Carnival raises over $19,000 in one day for annual campaign added by Melanie M on
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