TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

YMCA Staff Ramps Up Fundraising Campaign

ADVERTISEMENT

By GEORGE WILKENS

gwilkens@tampatrib.com

Published: February 11, 2009

PLANT CITY - Building Strong Kids, an annual fundraising campaign to make Plant City Family YMCA activities available to local residents who could otherwise not afford them, is under way.

The 2009 goal of $105,000 will be earmarked for those served by the local YMCA.

In 2008, the Plant City YMCA provided nearly $351,000 in financial assistance to thousands of youth, families and individuals in the community so they could benefit from membership and participate in sports, swimming lessons, camps and a myriad of other activities.

Recognizing the need, the Plant City YMCA staff and board members have committed more than $10,000 to the campaign. People who live, work and play in the area have already donated another $8,115.
Local director Scott Warren said that although the combined sum provides nearly 20 percent of the campaign goal, the economic crisis impacting all income brackets poses a special fundraising challenge.

"It makes it harder to raise the money, it makes it harder to give the money if you don't have it. And our membership base is really what allows us to keep lights on here. So we're kind hurt on all fronts right now," he said.

The fundraiser solicits contributions from companies and individuals who have helped in the past, plus YMCA members and others identified as potential donors, Warren said.

The drive is conducted by volunteers. "One of the biggest plusses is when you do it that way, it's volunteer to prospective donor," Warren said. "What you give goes directly to the people who need it. You're not paying for a meal, a shindig or an entertainer," he said. "You're giving $10 to people who are really in need."

The fundraising campaign announced Feb. 3 is fast-paced. "What we find is if we don't raise it by Florida Strawberry Festival time then we're really in trouble," Warren said. "We've got few more weeks to make it happen."

"We are so appreciative of the support the community has shown so far, and we know that we will be able to reach our goal if we can all work together," said Jim Scott, volunteer chairman of this year's campaign.

Anyone interested in volunteering or contributing to the 2009 Building Strong Kids campaign can contact Warren at (813) 757-6677 or at scott.warren@tampaymca.org.

The YMCA is a nonprofit organization, so gifts are tax deductible; 100 percent of the gift goes to those in need at the Plant City YMCA. To learn more about the Building Strong Kids Campaign, go to www.tampaymca.org and click on "give a gift."

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4433.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT