Written by Vicky Foresman, YMCA of Greater Des Moines VP of Mission Advancement
"You call it a scholarship to come to the Y, but we call your gift a gift of 'unmerited grace'."
Annual Campaign. Your opportunity. Their opportunity. Your success. Their success. Your gift. Their gift. Together toward tomorrow, we work to improve our community and support our neighbors, our youth and our health.
Opportunity.
As one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and one of the oldest nonprofits in central Iowa, the Y works to strengthen the foundation of community. Because of the annual campaign, we give individuals the opportunity to be part of the Y without regard to their socio-economic level, creating access to healthier spirit, mind and body for all.
Today, you have an opportunity to support the Y and give others the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive during our season of giving. Join us as we work to raise $1,535,000 by February 27 in support of the YMCA.
Success.
For over 150 years, we've worked to empower young people to reach their full potential, improve individual and community well-being, and provide support and inspire action in our communities.
We're proud to:
- Successfully engage school-aged youth in the summer learning loss prevention program where students gain an average of 3-months of reading skill.
- Open our doors on Saturday evenings to invite in middle and high school youth to play basketball and engage in positive social activity.
- Offer swim instruction to youth who may not otherwise be able to afford it, helping to prevent unnecessary drownings in the community.
- Have our facilities bustling with activity every weekend, after hours, early mornings, and during the day. Activities ranging from youth basketball leagues to regional swim meets, to before- and after-school care.
- Help ALL people find a place to belong and be successful in achieving their personal goals in an environment that supports positive and healthy connections.
Your Gift.
Because of your help and support through the annual campaign drive, our community will be stronger. We strive to turn no one away due to an inability to pay.
Julises, a family member of the YMCA, recently thanked a group of volunteers who unselfishly go forward to tell the story of the Y and in turn raise funds for the Y's scholarship program. He thanked the volunteers for allowing his family to access the Y. He said, “You call it a scholarship to come to the Y, but we call your gift a gift of 'unmerited grace'."
Thank you for considering your gift to the YMCA. Thank you for supporting all of us moving together toward tomorrow.