YMCA preps breakfast for Strong Kids Campaign

Posted on March 26, 2018
The YMCA will begin to collect donations for the annual Strong Kids Campaign during a breakfast on April 12. (WJBC file photo)

By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington-Normal YMCA is kicking off its annual Strong Kids Campaign in order to offer local children and families a chance to participate in services and activities the YMCA offers.

The Strong Kids Campaign raises money for children and families to take part in YMCA services, despite being unable to afford them. The YMCA is inviting people to attend a breakfast on April 12 from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. to discuss the campaign and begin the donation collection. Spokesperson Tessa Gehrer told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin while this year’s goal has risen compared to last year’s, the experiences the campaign provides children is invaluable.

“This year our goal is $210,000. It sounds like a lot, but when you think about how many people receive the opportunities to get involved in the Y and grow in ways that they may not be able to, it’s worth it,” Gehrer explained.

The YMCA reached its campaign goal last year. Gehrer noted while the campaign technically lasts all year, the organization hopes to meet this year’s goal before mid-summer.

“The campaign really kind of lasts all year, but we really strive to achieve our goal by the end of June,” said Gehrer.

All contributions to the Strong Kids Campaign stay with the YMCA. Gehrer said if you are unable to attend the breakfast, visit www.bnymca.org.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…