Batesville, In. — The Southeastern Indiana YMCA will be launching its annual campaign on Monday, August 20. “The Y is a cause worth investing in,” says Southeastern Indiana YMCA Executive Director, Angie Harmeyer. “Funds raised through our Annual Campaign ensure that everyone in Ripley, Franklin, and Dearborn Counties have access to programs vital to strengthening our community by giving our kids the opportunity to reach their full potential, our families a chance to build relationships, and to make sure everyone has the opportunity to build a healthy mind, body, and spirit.” Harmeyer added.
This year the Southeastern Indiana YMCA hopes to raise $140,000. Funds donated through the Y Annual Campaign last year allowed for the YMCA Learning Center to provide $68,000 in financial assistance to families who otherwise would have faced economic barriers to participate in early learning programs. Y donors also made it possible for $72,000 in financial assistance to be given for 616 memberships, providing them with a welcoming community and facility to achieve their health and wellness goals. Ninety-four 6th graders from our service area took advantage of our free membership during the 2017-18 school year. And, 84 senior adults benefited from subsidized memberships and became engaged in Y activities that enhanced connections and improved overall well-being. The support donors provide through the Annual Campaign ensures that no one is turned away from the Y.
According to YMCA Fund Development Coordinator, Sharon Hollowell, it’s the small things that will have a big impact. “Have you ever thought about how full of compassion the Y is? It is the instructor or fellow classmate helping a new person in a BodyPump class. It is the person checking in if they haven’t seen you at the Y in a while. It is the swim instructor helping a child overcome their fear of water. It is the childcare staff making the boo-boo all better. Another way to show compassion is through the Annual Campaign. Because all of the dollars raised stay local, we alleviate a problem for someone in our community. Just $25 provides a month of membership assistance to a family in need.” Every day, the Southeastern Indiana YMCA works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues, such as school readiness, chronic diseases and staying active at all ages.
“Throughout Ripley, Franklin and Dearborn counties, countless people know the Southeastern Indiana YMCA as simply ‘the Y.’ But, there is so much more to our Y than one might think,” said Harmeyer. “The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause. As a charity, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving our community’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors.”
To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact Sharon Hollowell, Fund Development Coordinator at 812-934-6006, or visit our website at www.siymca.org. Tickets are $20 each. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. and competition begins at 6 p.m.
