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to Reach $500,000 Fundraising Goal Following the Association’s January 31 Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors announced plans to begin a campaign to raise funds for the YMCA of Norwalk. In recent months, the YMCA has seen an increase in childcare enrollments, camp registration and memberships. At the end of 2007, the Association was granted reallocation of a $350,000 Connecticut State Bond to begin immediate renovations to the pools and locker rooms and for installation of a new boiler and improved lighting. According to board president Glen LeBlanc, “we have launched this Corporate Giving campaign to build upon this momentum.” “There are numerous corporations and businesses in the City of Norwalk that already have a vested interest in this YMCA,” says board member Maribeth Becker, “because their employees workout in our fitness center, swim in our pool or use our childcare for their kids.” For this reason, Becker believes that asking them for a contribution that will sustain and grow their neighborhood Y is a good idea. Board member Kathy Rorick is one of the people leading this initiative. “As a charitable organization serving a public purpose,” she says, “the YMCA of Norwalk is dedicated to meeting the needs of the people who live and work in Norwalk – through programs for children and teens, activities for adults and seniors, childcare services for pre-schoolers and school-age children and financial assistance for its neighbors in need.” Rorick’s commitment to the YMCA stems from personal experience. “As a single parent, I depended on YMCA programs for my four boys when they were young. And I want to make sure that this YMCA is there for everyone else who needs it and can benefit from it.” The YMCA of Norwalk has been making a positive impact on the quality of life in this community for 80 years. Michael Case joined the board last month because he is impressed with the Association’s record of good works. “Most people probably don’t even know some of the things the Y does – like supporting community groups and local organizations including Pivot Ministries, Norwalk After School Alliance, Department of Mental Retardation, The C Project, International Gospel Church, Keystone House and Word of Life Church and hosting free Safe Haven nights for Norwalk teens which feature activities, snacks and beverages.” LeBlanc points out that this effort is separate from the Association’s annual Strong Kids campaign. “With Strong Kids we receive donations in the form of individual and matching gifts that range from $100 to $1,000.” The YMCA has set an aggressive goal for this campaign – $500,000 – but LeBlanc says it is achievable. “Because we’re targeting the business sector with this campaign, the asks will be $5,000 at the low end and $50,000 at the high end.” “It’s likely that the people we’ll be talking to have their own Y connection,” LeBlanc continues, “because it’s where they learned to swim or dance or play basketball. And we hope that those positive Y memories will inspire them to give generously to the YMCA of Norwalk.” To make a donation to the YMCA of Norwalk Corporate Giving campaign, contact CFO Christine Kalakay at (203) 866-4425 x312. About the YMCA of Norwalk The YMCA of Norwalk is an affiliate of the YMCA of the USA and a partner agency of the United Way of Norwalk and Wilton. Its mission is to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Celebrating 80 years of serving the community, the YMCA of Norwalk is governed by two boards comprised of 40 community volunteers. For additional information about the organization and programs, visit www.norwalkymca.org. © Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: Norwalk Hospital Diabetes Education program reaches out into the community - Sep 11, 2008 - 12:06 AM CityCenter Danbury hosts two-day festival - Sep 5, 2008 - 7:22 AM Free swim lessons at state parks and YMCAs - Jun 19, 2008 - 3:22 PM Residents brave heat to celebrate past, present and future of historic downtown - Jun 11, 2008 - 12:50 PM Mayor Richard A. Moccia will host reception to Celebrate the 80th Birthday of the YMCA of Norwalk - Jun 6, 2008 - 3:15 PM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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