Welcoming its members, neighbors, friends, staff and volunteers, the Campo Family YMCA launched its annual community fundraising campaign last month.
The well-attended and clearly much-supported celebration held at the Campo Y located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico, included an overview of the goals of the community involvement portion of the effort to raise funds in order to keep the Y’s many programs and amenities in tact.
“This is the part of our campaign where we involve our members and our neighbors in reaching out to the community and to share the stories of how the Campo Y is changing lives everyday,” said Campo Y Board Member and 2014 Community Campaign Chair, Cheryl Kehrmeyer. “The event focuses on our missions promoting youth development, social responsibility and healthy living.”
Kehrmeyer emphasized that by hosting the event, every person who heard the powerful testimonials and learned what role they can play in its campaign will help raise the money it needs to be able to continue the work of strengthening the foundations of the community.
“We are proud to have recently earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, so our supporters can feel good about their donations and trust that we are using these resources wisely,” she said. “Every gift makes a difference, and every generous dollar is a dollar that goes toward providing these vital and life-changing programs to children and adults in our community.”
YMCA intern, Spenser Smud, agreed and was clear on his reasons for making the Y a permanent part of his life when he said, “I am proud of the YMCA and it’s just so much a part of my life that I am pursuing a career with the Y.”
Campo Y volunteer Ayden Thomas, 27 has Spina Bifida and is in a wheelchair and said she considers the Y to be her second home thanks to the way she is being treated by its members.
“I have a lot of time to give as a volunteer,” said Spencer, who also volunteers each year to help with the giving campaign. Rays mascot Raymond was also on hand during the festivities to give his support to the cause and this year’s campaign.For more Information about or to support the Campo YMCA please visit www.tampaymca.org.
