YMCA OF GREATER PROVIDENCE REACHES CAMPAIGN GOAL

For Immediate Release:

Ethan Kehoe

401-427-1848

ekehoe@gpymca.org

PROVIDENCE – The YMCA of Greater Providence recently announced that it has surpassed its 2014 Annual Campaign goal of $925,000.

“This represents an important benchmark for our Y,” said YMCA of Greater Providence Board of Directors chair Patricia Thompson, “and, more importantly, success in our annual fundraising allows our Y to help all those in need of Y programming and services. Reaching our goal boldly communicates that our Y is a charity-of-choice for many local stakeholders and donors; and affirmation for our volunteers and staff who worked so hard since the campaign launched last October to advance our cause through philanthropy.”

Thompson also stressed the importance of volunteer leadership in making the campaign a success, “I want to specifically recognize and thank Anne Powers and Chris Hurd, Co-Chairs of our 2014 Annual Campaign, for their vision, leadership, and tireless advocacy on behalf of our Y and our campaign. I also want to thank the hundreds of volunteers in our local communities who contributed time, talent and treasure to our effort this year.”

YMCA CEO Jim Berson described the Y Annual Campaign as a true person-to-person campaign in which Y supporters reach out directly and appeal to local donors. “This year, we’ve had over 2,600 friends and neighbors contribute to our campaign,” he said, “and their gifts will enable our Y to impact the lives of more than 15,000 children, adults and families in need.”

The significant part of the Y’s annual fundraising effort is accomplished through its local branches, including the Bayside YMCA in Barrington, Newman YMCA in Seekonk, East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA in Providence, Providence Youth Services, Cranston YMCA, Kent County YMCA in Warwick, West Bay YMCA in North Kingstown, South County YMCA in Peace Dale, and YMCA Camp Fuller in Wakefield.

Finally, Berson noted that the Y engages in significant philanthropy throughout the year apart from the Annual Campaign including many local special events and a comprehensive grant program. “In total,” he said, “our Y raises $2.5 million in public support annually to advance our core work to help kids achieve and improve the health of our communities.”

About the YMCA of Greater Providence: The YMCA of Greater Providence is a 501(c)3 serving communities in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The Y is a charitable organization made up of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. For more information, please visit our website at gpymca.org; or call us at 401-521-9622.