The Alternative Press

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges announced its Strong Kids annual fundraising campaign to help provide membership and program assistance to children, families and seniors who need our services. The 2013 Strong Kids Campaign kicked off Monday, January 28, 2013 at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover with over 250 in attendance. The theme of the event was “Rock the Block” - a celebration of community, mission and impact.

The Strong Kids Campaign raises funds for child care, community service opportunities, camp scholarships, membership, program assistance, and teen leadership development — ensuring everyone has an opportunity to benefit from YMCA programs, regardless of their ability to pay.

The YMCAs goal is to raise $1.275 million. 100% of donations will be used to fund programs at every branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges. The need in 2013 is expected to be greater than ever.

“The Y makes a promise to ensure greater accessibilityto Y programs for all community members and the annual Strong Kids Campaignhelps us keep that promise. The energy and generosity levels at our branches spike during the six-week Strong Kids Campaign and each year I am overwhelmed to see what is accomplished when a strong Y and a caring community come together.  I want to thank everyone who has supported us in the past and encourage everyone to consider a gift to the 2013 Strong Kids Campaign,” said Richard K. Gorab, President and CEO.

As a leading nonprofit for strengthening community, financial gifts to the Y will help advance programming and services that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. More importantly, gifts to the Sussex County YMCA stay in the community, having a direct impact on residents right here in Hardyston.

“Through our Strong Kids campaign, we want to educate people that we are more than a place to go to exercise or swim, but an organization that does vital work thanks to the support of the community,” said Jennifer Gardner, Executive Director of the Sussex County YMCA. “Our Y improves the quality of life for all who live and work in Hardyston and the surrounding areas.”

This year, the Sussex County YMCA hopes to raise $205,000 with the help of the community. The Sussex County YMCA Campaign Chairperson is Lisa Smith.

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact Jennifer Gardner, Executive Director, Sussex County YMCA, or visit www.sussexcountyymca.org for more information.

About the Y

The Y is for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility and is accessible to all people.  Financial assistance is available to the individuals and families who need our help the most.

The Y is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being while providing opportunities to give back and support the community.

The Sussex County YMCA is a branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, which is the largest Y in the state of New Jersey. Its mission is to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Its six branch facilities, located in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hardyston, Stillwater, and Wayne, provide:

• quality all-day and after-school childcare, pre-school classes, recreational and enrichment programs e.g. swimming and other sports, arts, computer activities and day and sleep-away camps;

• teen programs that help build self-esteem andleadership skills;

• wellness programs for adults and seniors.