In one way or another, we are all connected to the YMCA. Maybe it’s where you or your children learned to swim, skate, or play basketball. Maybe it’s where you went to summer camp and made new friends. Perhaps it’s where you joined a wellness class and got in the best shape of your life, or where your kids go to childcare to learn, grow, and thrive.
For the past three months, so many members, volunteers, staff, and community supporters made a very special connection to the Bethlehem YMCA by donating to our Annual Campaign.
Our 2017 Annual Campaign was, once again, a rousing success, raising well over $112,000! The Bethlehem YMCA thanks everyone for their generosity.
One hundred percent of your donations stay in Bethlehem to provide financial assistance for individuals and families who otherwise could not afford to use the programs and services of the YMCA.
Remember, the Y never turns anyone away because of an inability to pay. It’s only because of your contributions to our Annual Campaign scholarship program that we can make, and keep, that commitment.
The Y changes lives, ignites spirits, and strengthens our community by delivering innovative programs that improve our quality of life in Bethlehem well beyond the people who participate in them. Your donations to the Annual Campaign ensure that the YMCA can take on the challenges facing our youth, our health, and our community.
In particular, the Bethlehem YMCA would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their generous support of our Annual Campaign: Stewarts Foundation, Delmar Rotary Foundation, Adirondack Beverage, The Allstate Foundation, Bank of America, Momentive Performance Materials, National Union Bank of Kinderhook, Maynard, O’Connor, Smith & Catalinotto, Edward Jones Investments, Roux, Hill and Markes, Christmas Wish Foundation, SABIC, Roofing Innovations, Bonded Concrete Hockey Team, CL King, Bethlehem Youth Hockey, Girvin & Ferlazzo PC, Tobin and Dempf, O’Connor, O’Connor, Bresee & First.
In addition, we would like to thank the volunteer members of the Bethlehem YMCA Advisory Council and the wonderful staff of the Y for spreading the good word about the Y’s charitable mission and raising funds for the campaign.
In a speech to the national YMCA, President Theodore Roosevelt once said that “the best form of philanthropic endeavor is where we all do good to ourselves by all joining together to do good for one another. This is exactly what is done in your associations.”
Your dues pay to operate the facility. Your gift changes lives. Thank you for donating so we can continue to help young people achieve their potential, empower people of all ages to lead healthier lives, and strengthen the bonds of community in our town.
In conclusion, a YMCA Annual Campaign Haiku:
Friends helping neighbors
We are much more than a gym
The Y is a cause
— Mark Hansen