YMCA "Strong Kids" Campaign Seeks Community Help to Support Y Programs and Families in Need

Jan. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.--The Southeast Ventura County YMCA and its four branches serving communities in eastern Ventura County have kicked off their annual fundraising campaign. Now through mid-March, the six-week long fundraiser, "YMCA Strong Kids Campaign," hopes to raise $291,000 that will go directly towards making local YMCA programs and memberships available to those in financial need and to enhance YMCA youth and adult programs. The Y, a nonprofit charitable organization, serves more than 26,000 residents annually.

The four east county 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).

   "Donations from residents and businesses help keep the Y available for kids and families who need us most," says Rick Politte, president/CEO of the Southeast Ventura County. "We count on the generosity of the community to help people of all ages and from all walks of life to be more healthy, confident, connected and secure. When you give to the Y, your gift will have a meaningful, enduring impact right in your own neighborhood."

   The Strong Kids Campaign allows individuals, families, seniors and children the opportunity to be a part of YMCA programs and receive membership benefits even if experiencing financial hardship.

   Last year, branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA provided over $605,000 in financial assistance to more than 3,100 children and adults. This year, with the help of Strong Kids Campaign contributions, the Ys hope to underwrite more than $600,000 of financial assistance and over $583,000 in YMCA program costs for camps, preschool, youth sports, teens, families and health and well-being. "The demand for assistance has increased significantly over the past year," says Politte.

   Any size gift is appreciated. A gift of $125 provides seven swim lessons for three kids, giving them the gift of learning water safety and confidence; $250 makes it possible for a child to attend a week of summer camp; $500 enables a child to attend a YMCA preschool or afterschool program for a month; and $1,000 helps a teen participate in a YMCA leadership programs such as Youth & Government.

   "The Y's core belief is that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors," says Politte. "The Y is committed to the cause. Every day, we make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive at the Y."

To find out how to make a donation, contact the YMCA corporate office: Jim Carper, director of development, 805-497-3081, ext. 103, jcarper@sevymca.org. Donations can be designated to a specific YMCA branch. Donations are also accepted online at http://sevymca.org. Go to “Get Involved” and click on “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.