Southeast Ventura County YMCA Raises Over $265,000 During Strong Kids Campaign

March 21, 2012 - PRLog -- THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.--The Southeast Ventura County YMCA and its four branches raised $266,619 during it annual Strong Kids fundraising campaign. The yearly six-week campaign raises money that goes directly toward making local YMCA programs and memberships available to those in financial need and to enhance YMCA youth and adult programs.

The four branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are the 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).  More than 26,000 residents participate in activities at these Ys each year.

   "When you give to the Y, you strengthen our community," says Rick Politte, Southeast Ventura YMCA president and CEO.  "As the nation’s leading nonprofit for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y uses donations to deliver meaningful and lasting change in our local communities. The support doesn’t stop there.  Donations enable the Y to offer a wide range of programs that help children learn and grow, teach young people to lead, bring families closer together and encourage individual health and well being."

   "I have been affiliated with the Strong Kids campaign at various levels over the last 15 years—from campaigner to overall campaign chair," says John Kwiatkowski, who chaired the fundraising effort for the Conejo Valley YMCA. "The funds raised stay in our community. They allow people to participate in programs they otherwise cannot afford. The Y’s programs benefits our community by building stronger families and molding our youth into becoming better citizens."

   Kwiatkowski and his two daughters went through the Indian Princess program, which brings dads and daughters closer together. "My oldest daughter went on to become a Y lifeguard and my youngest daughter, now 22 years old, is a committed summer camp counselor at the Y’s resident camp held every year in August," says Kwiatkowski.  "As one could see, the Y has had a big impact on our lives."

   One hundred sixty three volunteers contacted businesses and individuals for donations during the campaign. "Our volunteers made this year's efforts an outstanding success," says Politte. "Donors gave even though economic times are still hard for many of us.  Their generosity is greatly appreciated."

To find out how to make a donation to the Y, contact Ruth Politte, 805-497-3081, ext. 104, ruthp@sevymca.org. Donations can be designated to a specific YMCA branch. Donations are also accepted online at http://sevymca.org. Click "Give" at the top right then "Make A Donation."

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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.