YMCA Launches ‘Partner with Youth’ Fundraising Campaign

Posted on February 3, 2011

Rancho Family YMCA in Rancho Penasquitos launches an aggressive 2011 fundraising campaign in February, designed to raise $225,000 to meet the needs of more than 250 youths and adults .

Chaired by Steve O’Kane, this year’s Partner with Youth program is designed to enable the YMCA to impact the community throughout youth development, a focus on healthy living, and a sense of social responsibility. “The Partner with Youth campaign provides opportunities for individuals to share their own YMCA stories in our community,” O’Kane said. “All of the funds raised stay at your YMCA to support and develop programs that reinforce the YMCA’s mission. I am honored to serve as the chair of the fundraising program.”

The campaign officially begins Feb. 2 when more than 120 community volunteers kick off the program, with a special address by former San Diego television news personality Carol LeBeau. LeBeau, who grew up in the YMCA, is passionate about the Y’s cause to strengthen the foundation of the community.

This year’s annual fundraiser is designed to directly assist youth and families in the local service area with:

The inclusion of children with disabilities and special needs in programs and camps.
Provide direct financial assistance for youth and families experiencing financial hardships in our service area to participate in programs such as camps, sports leagues, swimming lessons, gymnastics, health and fitness classes.
Prevention of childhood illness with the “Fit Kids and Families” program in conjunction with our local schools. Examples include physical education programs, playground partners, Ride Across California and sport clinics.

Rancho Family YMCA serves the communities of Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Del Sur, Poway, Mira Mesa, and other surrounding neighborhoods.

For more information, or to volunteer for the upcoming fundraising effort — or to make a direct donation pledge — contact the Rancho Family YMCA at 858-484-8788, ext. 218 or visit www.rancho@ymca.org.