YMCA kicks off circus-themed fundraiser
HARDYSTON — In the spirit of "The Greatest Show on Earth," the Sussex County YMCA on Monday took center ring to kick off its six-week, circus-themed annual campaign to raise $205,000 for families and individuals in need.
“Lasting personal and social change can only happen when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors," Sussex County YMCA Executive Director Jennifer Gardner said at the kick-off event, held at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover.
Fairview Lake YMCA Camps in Stillwater Township has set a goal of $95,000. The Fairview Lake Y offers year-round camping, environmental education programs and weekend conferences, attracting campers young and old from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and far beyond.
“Strengthening the communities we serve is a full-time job," Fairview Lake YMCA Camps Executive Director Bob Kahle. “The mounting challenges they face only increases the demand for the work we do at the Y."
The Sussex County Y and Fairview Lake Y are among six branches of the Metro YMCA, the largest association of YMCAs in New Jersey serving more than 35,000 individuals. Together with East Orange Y, South Mountain Y, Wayne Y and West Essex Y, they strengthen communities by nurturing children’s potential, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility.
The Metro Y this year set a fundraising goal of $1.1 million to provide financial assistance.
“We want to ensure everybody, no matter their circumstances, has the opportunity to live a more healthy, confident and secure life," Metro Y Chief Development Officer Lisa Kelly said.
The Y not only provides programs for children, adults and seniors to stay active and socialize, it develops innovative programs to tackle obesity, bring awareness to child sexual abuse prevention, address the achievement gap, provide quality child care, and face other community challenges, Kelly said.
The Metro YMCA has earned the trust of the communities it serves. Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity evaluator, has identified the Metro Y as one of the top-performing nonprofit in the U.S. Last month, Charity Navigator awarded the Metro Y its top rating for the fifth year straight in recognition of the organization’s sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only 6 percent of charities have achieved that standing.
“We know our generous supporters expect their donations to be used prudently to further our mission," Kelly said. “We are proud to be recognized as careful stewards of that generosity so together we can make impactful, enduring improvements in our communities.”
To contribute to the annual appeal, contact Kelly at lkelly@metroymcas.org or 973-758-9622, or visit our website at metroymcas.org.