The Somerset Valley YMCA is launching its annual campaign on March 18 to ensure that everyone in the community has access to community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Each day, the Somerset Valley YMCA works to support its neighbors by addressing community issues, such as childhood obesity, sexual abuse prevention and drowning prevention.
Last year, charitable gifts from YMCA donors helped 891 people, making it possible for 154 children to have a safe place to learn and build confidence in our Child Development Centers, after-school programs and summer camps.
Thanks to charitable donations, more than 130 children and adults learned to swim.
Membership aid flowed to 420 people in need, including people who lost their jobs.
The Y’s fundraising target for 2014 is $145,000. Money raised will support child care and education, camp, swim lessons, swim team membership and health and wellness services for those in need.
The Y’s annual campaign kick-off will take place at its annual meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the Royce Brook Country Club in Hillsborough.
“Countless people know us as simply ‘the Y,’ but there’s so much more to our Y than one might think,” said Valerie Giacopelli, interim chief executive officer of the Somerset Valley YMCA, which has branches in Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville.”The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause,” said Valerie Giacopelli, interim chief executive officer of the Somerset Valley YMCA. “As a charity, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, giving back and providing support to our neighbors.”
To learn more, visit the Y’s giving website at http://ymcasomersetvalley.org.
Hillsborough branch member Kevin Buist said concern about his weight and health drove him to work with nutritionist Meaghan Scott in the Y’s Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyle program. As he learned how to control his craving for unhealthy foods, his diet changed and he lost weight, he said. “My doctor was overjoyed. My cholesterol dropped. My triglycerides just plummeted,” said Mr. Buist, who added that support from members and staff has helped keep him on track. The Y’s Annual Support campaign exists to ensure all residents have access to the same life-enhancing services as Mr. Buist. To learn more, visit the Y’s giving website at http://ymcasomersetvalley.org.

