Can The YMCA Fundraise $20K in 72 Hours?
YMCA of the Chippewa Valley's 72 Hours of Impact campaign will benefit its various programs, financial assistance efforts
Can you put a price on time? From Dec. 1-4, the local YMCA organization will do just that.
At 10am on Monday, Dec. 1, the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley kicked off its annual “72 Hours of Impact” campaign, with a fundraising goal of $20,000. Those dollars will benefit the YMCA’s various programs and ongoing annual campaign.
The campaign – which ends at 10am on Thursday, Dec. 4 – also supports the organization’s financial assistance efforts. The local YMCA estimates it serves roughly 60,000 individuals annually across the Chippewa Valley, including thousands of people who utilize financial support.
“As of November 30, we have provided this kind of need-based membership and program assistance to 3,412 people in our community this year. Of that total, half of them were children,” Suzie Slota, the YMCA Mission Advancement Director, said.
Those individuals include folks enduring significant financial hardships: The loss of a job, increased expenses due to health challenges, single parents and guardians, and seniors living on a fixed income.
"Contributions during the 72-hour campaign will ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable, particularly for families and individuals who rely on financial assistance."
YMCA OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY
“Some of these families only need our help for a month or two, but others receive help for longer. A large number of those families have an annual household income under $27,000,” Slota said. “These are neighbors who would never be able to be a part of the YMCA without this assistance. Thanks to the support of our donors, we are able to make that happen.”
For over 140 years, the YMCA has aimed to bring folks together and encourage healthy lifestyles. The local organization – which now has facilities in Menomonie as well as Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls – points to programs like its swim lessons, youth and adult sports, Brain & Body for Alzheimer’s support, Sober Strong for women in recovery, and Membership for All as some of those which positively impact the community.
“Contributions during the 72-hour campaign will ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable, particularly for families and individuals who rely on financial assistance,” a recent media release stated.
“I want to be sure that people understand that gifts of all sizes make a big difference,” Slota added. “Large gifts obviously help us reach our goal more quickly, but a large number of people making small gifts can also have a huge impact.”
Folks can donate to the YMCA in person at any of its locations or online at www.ymca-cv.org/72.
The organization will keep the public updated on the 72 Hours of Impact campaign – including shoutouts for each donation received – on social media.
Learn more about the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley online at www.ymca-cv.org. View the full list of local YMCA locations online.
