A Letter from the CEO, Sean Allison:
Dear Friends:
The Manatee County YMCA is a not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance to individuals and families so they may join the YMCA and participate in programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body. In addition, the YMCA provides community services that reach out to the continued needs that are in Manatee County communities. The YMCA projects that over $850,000 will be awarded during this year. This assistance can not be possible without your help through donating to the Community Scholarship Campaign. This annual campaign exemplifies the Y’s commitment to provide significant solutions to real needs through programs that build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. “If Everyone Plays - Everyone Wins”, your donation to this campaign will ensure everyone has a chance to “play” at the YMCA.
In 2007, a commitment to the campaign brought tremendous growth to the YMCA resources and to the number of individuals that were involved. Association wide, over 48,000 individuals participated in YMCA programs conducted in our three facilities and twenty-two community sites. Financial assistance for memberships and programs opened YMCA services to those unable to pay full price. Drowning prevention, childhood obesity, after-school programs for middle school ages youth, quality child care for elementary school children, special events, an active older adult program and teen outreach progams were just a few of the areas made possible by contributions to the Community Scholarship Campaign.
Your support of the YMCA Community Scholarship Campaign in 2008 is greatly appreciated. Be a “player” of this wonderful tradition and make your generous contribution today!
Sincerely,
Sean Allison President/CEO
PROGRAMS ASSISTED BY YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO
THE YMCA:
SWIM SAFETY
Knowing how to swim not only saves lives, but also builds self esteem and confidence in children. The YMCA’s FREE “Splash/Every Child a Swimmer Program” ensures that every child 3 to 12 years of age has the opportunity to learn water safety. According to the Drowning Prevention Coalition, drowning is the number one cause of accidental death in children under the age of five and is the second leading cause of accidental death among children under the age of eighteen. To date, over 17,000 children have learned water safety in this program. If it has saved only one life, it is worth it!

QUALITY CHILD CARE AND DAY CAMP
Economic security is an achievable reality for parents who have access to affordable and dependable child care. The YMCA provides families with nurturing and enriching environments in before and after-school child care for elementary and middle school age children. YMCA day camps located through out the community provide an alternative when school is not in session. Children develop critical interpersonal skills, learn important character-building values and initiate friendships.
TEEN PROGRAMS
Every school day, YMCA outreach programs at seven middle schools provide a safe place offering learning enhancements in an atmosphere of fun for adolescent children. YMCA programs promote the character development values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and incorporate tutoring and developmental assets that help teens grow into competent adults. In YMCA Leaders Clubs, teens learn to accept responsibility and develop leadership potential in meaningful volunteer activities throughout the community. In 2007 the YMCA implemented Teen Outreach Programs in communities of need, helping young adults fulfill their dreams of becoming responsible and successful adults.
YOUTH SPORTS
Childhood obesity is an epidemic that will affect the future health of our community’s children. The Manatee County YMCA is committed to a major program thrust that will enable kids and teens to get active and stay healthy through fitness activities and youth sports. Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, Swimming and Baseball are just a few of the sports offered at the YMCA!
ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS
The YMCA provides a connection for active older adults, many of who live isolated from their families. YMCA programs provide older adults an opportunity to pursue a healthy lifestyle and build a nurturing network of friends.
MEMBERSHIP
YMCA members have access to programs and facilities that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Membership provides a foundation for healthy lifestyles, values and community. Contributions to the Campaign provide scholarships to those unable to pay the full amount. Membership is accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of ability to pay.
OPEN TO ALL
The YMCA is a private volunteer-directed charitable organization, which unites young and old, men and women, people of all faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. In 2007, the YMCA spent over $800,000 for scholarships, subsidies and community services while serving over 42,000 individuals.
|
Community Scholarship Campaign
“If Everyone Plays - Everyone Wins!”
CAMPAIGN LEVELS:
GREATER NEEDS
$1000 & UP
GOLD "ALL AMERICAN"
$500-$999
SILVER "ALL STAR"
$300-$499
BRONZE "1ST STRING"
$150-$299
PRINT A PLEDGE CARD:
Donate today!
“A League of Their Own”
Contributions $5,000 and up
Lillian Bishop Trust
Lakewood Ranch
Community Fund
The Mary E. Parker Foundation
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Publix Supermarket Charities
Lee Roy Selmon’s Restaurant
Stonewood Grill Restaurant
Eaton Corporation
|