YMCA Strong Kids Campaign
The Strong Kids Campaign, our annual sustaining campaign, is community leaders volunteer to go out into our community to tell the YMCA story - every child is welcome and encouraged to come to the Two Rivers YMCA to become healthy in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA turns no child away due to the inability to pay. So, regardless of income, every child can participate in YMCA programs and our facility. Through our youth programs, state-of-the-art facility, and professional and caring staff, we provide that opportunity.
Gifts given through our Strong Kids Campaign help us to fund youth character development programs; day camps, teen camps, swimming lessons, youth sports programs, Before & After School-age Child Care (in 25 schools) and our Pre-school child care program. The Y-Winners and Ericsson School program also receives funding through the Strong Kids Campaign. These programs reach kids in 5th & 6th grades who show leadership but lack the tools to reach their God-given potential. The program teaches the kids important life skills and instills the core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. They develop positive character traits and are exposed to positive role models and behaviors that will help them grow up to be responsible and productive adults.
If you would like to volunteer on the 2007 Strong Kids Campaign, contact Marcia Green, Director of Development at mkgreen@tworiversymca.org or call (309)797-3945.
2007 Strong Kids Campaign
Jim Becht – Chair
Advanced Gifts Division (Gifts of $1,000 or more) – Tom Bracke, Chair
Campaigners:
Kelly Alward
John A. Slover, Jr.
Dennis Fox
Diane Harris
Gretchen Mills
Jennifer Rowe
Jim Taylor
Marie Ziegler
Community Teams Division (gifts $25-$999) – Jon Fox, Chair
Team Captains:
Carrie & Scott Bull
Julie Gelaude
Linda McGehee
Ron Riggins
Mark Schultz
Mike Wendt, III
Spirit Committee – Debi Becht, Chair
The Strong Kids Campaign will kick off on February 13th at 6PM.
Gifts through our Strong Kids Campaign help us to fund youth character development programs; youth sports programs, Before & After School Child Care (in 25 schools) and our Pre-school child care program. The Y-Winners and Ericsson School program also receives funding through the Strong Kids Campaign. These programs reach kids in 5th & 6th grades who show leadership but lack the tools to reach their God-given potential. The program teaches the kids important life skills and instills the core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. They develop positive character traits and are exposed to positive role models and behaviors that will help them grow up to be responsible and productive adults.
The Strong Kids Campaign also raises funds for children and families who cannot afford a membership to the Two Rivers YMCA. Scholarships are available so that no child who wants to benefit from a YMCA membership is turned away, regardless of their ability to pay. A membership gives a child a safe, positive place to develop socially, spiritually, and physically. Everyone is welcome at the YMCA. Walk into any of our program sites or our facility and you will see people of all ages and incomes. If a person or family is unable to pay for membership, scholarships are available. In 2006, over $56,000 was given in membership scholarships.
Programs Funded By the Strong Kids Campaign
School-Age Child Care -. 1200 kids in 25 schools in the Illinois Quad Cities
Pre-School Child Care - 86 children, ages 2-6
Summer Day Camp and Teen Adventure Camp - Over 450 kids participated each week
Teen Classes and Activities - 4,165 kids last year
Schools Out Club – Over 130 kids come when school’s out
Youth Swimming Classes – More than 2,328 kids learn to swim
Golf Classes - Over 350 kids learn character through our golf program
In 2006, over $940,000 in subsidizes were needed to fund our youth programs. The YMCA depends on community support to help fund youth programs and provide membership scholarships for those less fortunate.
To give a gift to the Two Rivers YMCA, click on "Donate" Button. By giving a gift to the Strong Kids Campaign, you will be helping ensure that every child will have the opportunity participate in youth programs. You will be helping the YMCA "build strong kids, strong families and strong communities".