YMCA readies for fund-raising campaign
BY MELISSA CIFELLI
Staff Writer

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — A donation can teach a child to swim.

That’s the message being sent to the community by the South Brunswick YMCA, which is gearing up for its annual Strong Kids Campaign.

“Our goal is never to turn someone away from the Y because of their inability to pay,” Donna Andretta, communications and marketing director of the YMCA, said. “The only way we can do this is through our annual support campaign.”

The goal of the campaign is to raise money for financial aid, allowing members who might not be able to afford the YMCA the opportunity for membership.

“Last year we provided over $36,000 in financial aid to families in need,” Andretta said.

The campaign, according to Andretta, also helps raise money for basic YMCA services such as swim programs, child care, summer camp and membership. According to Andretta, the goal for this year’s Strong Kids Campaign is to raise $50,000.

The campaign includes donations from the community, YMCA members and corporate sponsors.

According to Andretta, the YMCA will begin reaching out to community and Y members with pledge cards in late October, explaining the fund-raising mission and what is happening at the YMCA

“Our goal is to raise $20,000 from the community toward our $50,000 goal,” Andretta said.

Andretta said community and YMCA members are very passionate about the program and its campaign, contributing almost equally as the corporate world.

Fund raising, Andretta said, in the business community will start early next year.

“It just supports wonderful services,” Andretta said of the campaign.

For more information or to pledge a donation contact Donna Andretta at (732) 329-1150, ext. 204.