YMCA "Strong Kids" Fundraising Campaign Underway to Support Community Programs and Families in Need

Jan. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.--The Southeast Ventura County YMCA and its four branches have kicked off their annual fundraising campaign. Now through mid-March, the six-week long fundraiser, "YMCA Strong Kids Campaign," hopes to raise $280,000 from individuals and businesses in the community.

Each dollar contributed to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign goes directly to making local YMCA programs and memberships available to those in financial need and to enhance YMCA youth and adult programs. The four YMCA branches are: Triunfo YMCA (serving Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Oak Park) Conejo Valley YMCA (serving Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and the Santa Rosa Valley), Simi Valley Family YMCA (serving Simi Valley) and Miller Family YMCA (serving Newbury Park including Dos Vientos Ranch).

   The Strong Kids Campaign raises funds for individuals, families, seniors and children experiencing financial hardships so that they have the opportunity to be a part of YMCA programs," says Rick Politte, president/CEO of the Southeast Ventura County. "The Y is committed to strengthening the foundations of our community. For that, we need to ensure all those who want to participate in YMCA activities have the ability to do so."

Last year, branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA provided over $605,000 in financial assistance to more than 3,100 kids and adults. Funds were raised through the Strong Kids Campaign, corporate and foundation grants, community organizations, and special events. This year, with the help of Strong Kids Campaign contributions, the Ys hope to underwrite more than $600,000 in financial assistance and over $583,000 to subsidize YMCA program costs for camps, preschool, youth sports, teens, families and health and well-being.

Gifts of any size are welcome. A gift of $100 provides swim lessons for three children; a $250 donation makes it possible for a child to attend a week of summer camp and participate in educational and creative programs; a $500 gift allows eight kids to learn skills, sportsmanship and teamwork through participation in YMCA youth sports; a $1,000 donation enables a child to be part of a YMCA after-school program for three months--and an opportunity to make new friends and strengthen values.

"The Ys' goals are to nurture the potential of our kids, promote healthy living for young and old alike and foster a sense of social and community responsibility," says Ronnie Stone, executive director of the Conejo and Triunfo YMCAs. "That's a tall order, but with the help of the community, we are confident these goals can be met."

YMCA volunteers will contact potential donors over the next six weeks to see if they can contribute to this year's campaign. To find out how to make a donation, contact the YMCA corporate office: Lori Kent, 805-497-3081, lkent@sevymca.org or go the YMCA website at www.sevymca.org and click on Donate Now. Donations can be designated to a specific YMCA branch.

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With branches in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and Simi Valley, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA serves the communities of Newbury Park, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Rosa Valley, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park.