he South Montgomery County YMCA celebrated the conclusion of a very successful Partners Giving Campaign at the annual Victory Dinner.  The goal for the 2009 Campaign was $510,000. To date more than $515,000 has been pledged to help keep the YMCA available to all who reside in South Montgomery County.

These funds will enable the YMCA to award more than 5,000 scholarships—providing local children and families a helping hand all year long through the positive benefits of YMCA values-based programs like swim lessons, summer camp, youth sports, child care and much more. In this economic slow down, the need for services continues to grow.

According to Mark Cochran, YMCA Center executive director, “Exceeding the goal is much more than a number. It is about the people that we serve through the programs that the YMCA offers. It is about the wonderful YMCA work that is being done on a daily basis:providing childcare and after school care for working families; providing childcare and after school care for the single parent who would otherwise not be able to work; providing kids an opportunity to play sports or learn to swim; providing leadership programs for our teens to help them become the future leaders in our community; expanding the outreach program so more kids will get the much needed tutoring and support needed to become successful; providing  the opportunity for more kids to experience the fun and learning at YMCA Summer Day Camp instead of being home alone unsupervised throughout the summer. Thank you for helping keep the YMCA available to all. The YMCA ’s mission is not in recession.”

By exceeding the campaign goal, the YMCA will be able to explore new initiatives and expand current programs to serve more people with different needs. These initiatives include FUEL, a free Christian-based hype event for junior high students, hosted every other month at the YMCA; Leap of Faith, an equine-assisted therapeutic riding program for clients with disabilities; Y.E.S, Youth Employment Skills, a job preparedness training program designed to help teens understand the steps to prepare to enter the job force; and Destination Y.M.C.A.,  Young

The success of the campaign can be attributed to the commitment of volunteers and staff of the YMCA. These funds were raised by more than 150 caring volunteers, members and staff who shared the YMCA story with friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and other Y members. “The overwhelming generosity of the community allows us to continue bringing our positive programs to those who need it most, ” says Todd Bryant, campaign chair. “With everyone’s help, we are now able to give kids and families greater access to the wonderful opportunities offered at the Y. Thank you to the more than 1,000 individuals, corporations and community organizations that pledged to the 2009 campaign. ”

A special thank you goes to the 2009 Campaign Leadership: Todd Bryant, campaign chairman, and Division Leaders Pam Meaux, C. J. Haynes, Sharon Durio, John Landsbaum, Angela Francis and Randy Reid.

Congratulations to the campaigners who were recognized for their outstanding contribution, commitment and support to the 2009 campaign: Fred Bagnall: Most Pledges Reported; Christiana Johnson, Most New Dollars Reported; C. J. Haynes, Division Leader of the Year; Charles Saltzer, Rookie Campaigner of the Year; Sharon Durio, Veteran Campaigner of the Year; and Fred Bagnall, Campaigner of the Year.

All funds raised by the South Montgomery County YMCA remain at the local Y to assist families and children living in the communities of South County. The YMCA strives to turn no one away from programs due to limited financial resources. Lives are impacted every day through YMCA community outreach, thanks to the generosity of donors to the annual giving campaign.

In 2008, the YMCA provided more than $700,000 in scholarships and subsidized programs. Pledges are accepted year around. If you would like to pledge a gift or know of someone who needs help, call Mark Cochran, executive director, or Gary Louie, group development director, 281-367-9722.