By Tamas Mondovics
Campo Family YMCA officials were pleased to announce the generous support of GTE Financial, one of the largest locally owned and operated non-profit financial cooperative institutions in Tampa Bay.
Chosen as Charity of the Month, the Y was able to fundraise at GTE during the month of April, resulting in one of the most successful events to support the Y’s various programs.
“The Y is proud to say every dollar of the $9,000 raised stays local and has a lasting impact on the people of the Greater Brandon area,” said Tampa Metropolitan YMCA Communications Director, Lalita Llerena. “The fundraising goal was $7,500 so this a huge win for GTE and the Y.”
According to Y officials, from summer camp and swim lesson scholarships to its Livestrong at the YMCA cancer survivor program, the association’s fundraising efforts ensure its ability to remain open to all walks of life within its communities.
Llerena also explained that during the month-long effort, GTE employees paid for jean’s days on Fridays, earning the Y a gift of close to $6,000.
Adding to the effort to raise funds, GTE Financial hosted a ‘Bring Your Kids to Work Day’ at their headquarters on 711 E Henderson Ave. in Tampa, which included camp-style games and activities along with a lunch fundraiser organized by Y representatives.
The Y also got the opportunity to play its video testimonials on GTE TVs and raffle off a free family membership to the Y and box tickets to a Rays game to their staff.
“All the proceeds goes to benefit the Campo Y and our cause-driven programs,” Llerena said. “We are truly appreciative of the massive fundraising effort and want to thank GTE Financial, its generous staff and our passionate board members for their support of the Campo Family YMCA to be able to provide financial assistance to kids, adults and families facing financial hardship.”
To celebrate the accomplishment, GTE Financial presented the Campo Family YMCA with the giant check last month at the Campo Y board room 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico.
All said and done, the event and the entire month’s effort was a great achievement for both organizations, which Llerena confirmed when she said, “The fundraising goal was $7,500 so this a huge win for GTE and the Y.”
For more information about the Campo Family YMCA, please visit www.tampaymca.org.
