November 9, 2009
NIA Workshop at the local YMCA
Recipe 4 Wellness is sponsoring a Nia Workshop at the YMCA on December 5, 2009 from 10 a.m to 12 noon. This workshop is intended to show the community what “Nia” is and to experience the joyful movement of “Nia”. Karen Russell, Certified Nutrition Counselor (Recipe 4 Wellness) and Kathy McKean, Certified Nia Instructor will be doing the workshop. Karen will be trained to teach “Nia” in January and will bring it to the New Philadelphia area.
“Nia” is a holistic fitness/exercise/wellness program that engages your body, mind, emotions and spirit. It draws from dance arts, martial arts (tai chi) and healing arts (yoga) to create purposeful movement. You can strengthen your muscles, improve muscle tone and increase muscle definition along with more flexibility, weight loss or weight maintenance, calming the mind, relieves stress and increases pleasure of living in your body. It’s practiced barefoot and is easy on the joints. “Nia” was founded in 1984 by Debbie and Carlos Rosas and is practiced in 40 countries. It’s FUN! This program is for all ages and is simple to do. The philosophy is pleasure not pain. Through movement we find health.
YMCA Program Contact Brandi Hibbs 330-364-5511
Recipe 4 Wellness Program Contact Karen Russell 330-340-8314
June 23
YMCA Makes Plans for Youth Triathlon
Kids love to swim, bike and run. That is what they do all summer long. The Tuscarawas County YMCA is challenging our area youth swim, bike and run in our third Youth Triathlon. Brandi Hibbs, Health and Fitness Director states, “It is our goal to provide youth in the area the opportunity to experience a triathlon in hopes of fostering active and healthy lifestyles.”
The event will be held the evening of July 10th at the YMCA. All participants will receive a T-shirt and medal upon completion of the race. The tri-athletes will be swimming, biking and running in the following age groups: 13-14, 12-11, 10-9 and 8 & under. Race day preparation will be available at the time of registration. There will be a volunteer meeting on June 26th at 7:00 PM as well as dry run.
Volunteers are needed. If you are interested in volunteering or viewing how a triathlon is run, please contact Brandi Hibbs, Health and Fitness Director 330-364-5511. The Tuscarawas County YMCA builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities. More information and a registration form can be found at www.tuscymca.org.
June 16
Executive Director Keith Lands
Posted
JCPenney Customers Round-Up and Give Back to YMCA
100% of donations from the recent “Round-Up and “Day of Giving Back” Programs benefit the Tuscarawas Count YMCA, a JCPenney Afterschool Fund Charitable Partner.
New Philadelphia, OH – Thanks to funds raised the recent “Day of Giving Back” and “Round-Up” events at the JCPenney Store at the New Towne Mall in New Philadelphia, the Tuscarawas County YMCA’s afterschool program has received a great boost in the form of a $908 donation.
“The generous support of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund and JCPenney enhances our efforts to serve as many children as possible with meaningful, high-quality afterschool programming,” says Keith Lands, Executive Director. “They know as we do that children are our most valuable resource.”
With the $908 raised from the JCPenney Store at New Towne Mall's recent “Round-Up” and “Day of Giving Back” programs, children can enjoy the many benefits of a safe and wholesome afterschool childcare at both our Dover and Dennison locations. The Dover location serves kids in both New Philadelphia and Dover school systems and the Dennison location serves children in the Claymont schools.
At the September 2008 “Day Of Giving Back” event, customers were invited to purchase a JCPenney coupon. Proceeds from the coupon sales were donated to the Tuscarawas County YMCA by JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a public charity that provides at-risk children access to life-enriching afterschool programs that inspire children to be smart, strong and socially responsible. Also, from December 5-14, 2008, JCPenney customers were invited to “round-up their JCPenney purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. JCPenney Afterschool Fund contributed the “Round-Up” Resources to the
Tuscarawas County YMCA.
Studies show that 14.3 million children in the United States are unsupervised after school between the hours of 3p.m. and 6 p.m. each day. Additionally, studies show that youth are at greater risk of involvement in crime, drug abuse, and other destructive behaviors during these hours. To address the issue, JCPenney created the JCPenney Afterschool Fund in 2001, and together they have contributed more than $70 million to support the afterschool cause nationwide, giving tens of thousands of children the opportunity to participate in essential afterschool programs like the Tuscarawas County YMCA. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund continues working toward the day when all children in America will have access to life-changing afterschool programs that help them reach their full potential.
* * * * *
About the Tuscarawas County YMCA:
The Tuscarawas County YMCA has been serving the needs of kids and families in our communities since 1919. The YMCA afterschool program is one of hundreds of programs that help to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body in all members and program participants, through programs and activities that promote a healthy wellbeing, improved character, and community interaction and appreciation. The YMCA unites men, women, and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. Through the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, no child is ever denied YMCA services or programs because of an inability to pay.
About the JCPenney Afterschool Fund:
The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is a charitable organization committed to providing children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that inspire children to be Smart, strong, and socially responsible. To date, JCPenney and the JCPenney Afterschool Fund have contributed more than $70 million to local afterschool programs in every JCPenney community through partnerships with the YMCA of the USA, Boy’s and Girls’ Clubs of America, National 4-H and United Way of America. For more information, visit www.jcpenneyafterschool.org.
For further information contact:
Tuscarawas County YMCA
Keith Lands – 330-364-5511, keith@tuscyma.org
JCPenney
Kate Parkhouse, 972-431-3400, jcpcorpcomm@jcpenney.com
June 11, 2009
Supervisor: Brandi Hibbs
Tuscarawas County YMCA
Health and Fitness Director
Work 330-364-5511
Tuscarawas County YMCA Volunteer of the Month (May) Margot Dean, Dover
Margot Dean:
Eleven years ago Margo Dean decided that she needed to add an aerobic workout to her exercise program. Knowing nothing about it, she decided to try step aerobics at the YMCA. After one class she was hooked and is still doing it eleven years later. “It is my most favorite workout. I love it.” Says Dean. “Five years ago I decided to volunteer as a fitness instructor in step and double step.” Dean taught double step every Friday for two years. Presently Dean periodically teach step and double step during the Saturday Cardio Mix Classes. “The Tuscarawas County YMCA is so pleased with all the support of volunteers in our programs. Says Brandi Hibbs, Health and Fitness Director. “Without the gifts and talents of the community the YMCA would never be as strong as it is today.”
Dean’s interests are:
-- exercising -- step, zumba, circuit, weight training
-- playing duplicate bridge
-- line dancing
-- ** training and working with my dog in agility
Four special recognition awards were included in the evening the first being the YMCA Christian Youth Spirit Award which recognized the First United Methodist Church of New Philadelphia for the outstanding work and service completed in 2008 which included a mission trip to South America. Twelve members of the youth group were in attendance to receive the award as well as their advisor Amy Braun.
Receiving the YMCA Family of the Year award was the Levitt family from New Philadelphia. The family members include Rob, Michelle, Aiden, Jake, and their honorary adopted daughter Shauntae. The entire Levitt family is very active in YMCA programs and activities including youth sports, fitness, adventure guides, and swimming. They exemplify a YMCA family with their commitment to good family values, active involvement, participation, and volunteer leadership.
Being recognized as the Volunteer of the Year was Edie Armstrong of Dover. Edie serves as assistant swim coach for the YMCA Silver Streaks Swim Team. Serving in her second year, the team number grew in 2008 to over 100 swimmers. She and her family have been involved in YMCA programs and activities for over 15 years. She was selected from the 550 volunteers that served the YMCA in 2008.
Receiving the Leo Poland Award for outstanding volunteerism, leadership and longevity was John Fantin of New Philadelphia. John has served the YMCA in many capacities during his years of service. They include building supervisor, member service center associate, and rental supervisor. John is committed to the YMCA and its mission and has strived to insure that everyone he contacts at the YMCA feels welcome and at home. John has been a member of the YMCA for 19 years. His dedication YMCA and its mission are typical of the values and commitment to the YMCA mission that Leo Poland established and why the award is named in his memory.
The Tuscarawas County YMCA, located at 600 Monroe Street in Dover, is beginning its 90th year of service to the young people and families of our community. It has a program satellite located at 215 North 3rd Street in Dennison. YMCA membership totals more than 7,500 members and has over 14,000 annual participants. The YMCA is a United Way agency.
Dover, OH, March 16, 2009
Blake’s Soccer Academy (BSA) is announcing its first annual “Kicks for Cans” Super Scrimmage.
With the goal to grow quality soccer in the Tuscarawas County area while enriching the community, BSA is hosting its charitable pre-season super scrimmage on Saturday April 4, 2009 at the Tuscarawas County YMCA. Seven soccer teams from the Tuscarawas County area will be participating in this one-of-a-kind event. Each team member is encouraged to donate at least one non-perishable food item as an “entrance fee” for participation. Family, friends, and soccer enthusiasts are also encouraged to bring donations. All food items will be donated to the Dover-New Philadelphia Salvation Army for the Easter holiday.
About Blake’s Soccer Academy
While Blake’s High Performance Soccer Training (BHPST) has been offering services in the Tuscarawas County area since 2002, you may not be familiar with our company. The Founder and President, Billy Blake, holds both national and international coaching licenses and is the current Head Coach of the Dover Girls Varsity Soccer Program. BHPST started as a soccer training company in the State of Virginia and offered services to premiere youth soccer players and teams in the Washington D.C. metro area. In 2002 BHPST entered the budding Ohio market through a partnership with the Tuscarawas County YMCA. For the past six years, BHPST together with the YMCA has served more than one hundred youth of all ages annually at their Ohio Blast Soccer Camp. In the summer of 2008, BHPST relocated to Ohio on a full-time basis. In October of 2008, BHPST launched its soccer school, Blake’s Soccer Academy (BSA), and the East Ohio Youth Soccer Coaching Consortium (EOYSCC). BHPST and its associated programs represent a fresh, new approach to soccer development and training in the growing soccer market of Tuscarawas and surrounding counties.
Other upcoming events offered by BHPST and its associated programs:
· BHPST/BSA in partnership with the Tuscarawas County YMCA is excited to present another soccer first in the area—The BSA Battle of Three: 3 v 3 Tournament. This innovative tourney is designed to host 30 youth teams and is open to teams across Ohio with a focus on Tuscarawas and surrounding counties. In addition to the nearly 200 players and their families, friends, coaches, soccer fans, and the curious community, 44 Ohio universities and colleges are invited to attend this one-day soccer festival. Additionally, the tournament will highlight a “Just Say No to Drugs & Steroids” theme.
· “Soccer for Everyone Fund”—BSA is currently developing a donor advised fund so that no soccer player in Tuscarawas County has to miss out on this great game because “they couldn’t afford it”.
· BHPST and the Tuscarawas County YMCA will be offering the 7th Annual Ohio Blast Soccer Camp, June 8 – 12, 2009
· Dover Girls High School Soccer Program (not in association with BSA) will be launching its inaugural “Read to Kick” literacy program in July of 2009.
Contact: Billy Blake
Phone: 1-877-352-2738
Email: bblake@blakesoccer.com
Web: www.blakesoccer.com
Release Date: 3/16/09
February 23, 2009
The Tuscarawas County YMCA highlights efforts of Sports Volunteers
The Tuscarawas County YMCA volunteer award for February has been awarded to Jim Feicht and John Thomas, both of Waynesburg. Both men are coaches for the youth basketball program. Feicht and Thomas are new to the YMCA and were nominated by Shelly Snyder, Youth Program Director for their commitment to teach the importance of the fundamentals of basketball. “Jim and John teach the girls on their league that with patience and practice they can do anything.” “The girls in this league have shown great progress. I am so excited to have both Jim and John as part of the YMCA Youth Basketball program” says Snyder. The YMCA prides itself with providing sports programs where everyone plays, and everyone wins. “Volunteers are what make YMCA programs successful and it is through community commitment that we spread the YMCA mission” adds Snyder. Feicht and Thomas attended the YMCA Board Meeting on February 16 and received an award certificate and gift bag from Bob Gerber, YMCA Board President
Aquatics Associate Receives YMCA Associate of the Month
YMCA Associate of the month was awarded to Aquatics Associate, Maureen Muldovan of Dover. Muldovan has been a lifeguard for the YMCA since October of 2003. “Maureen lifeguards the opening shift beginning at 5:00 AM. She is great at connecting with the members and knowing what needs to be done. She always fills in when needed and takes great pride in her work, no matter what it is she is doing.” Says Aquatics Director, Stacy Harlan. Muldovan was honored at the Tuscarawas County YMCA Board Meeting on February 16 and received a certificate and gift for her achievements.
February 20, 2009
YMCA LEADERSHIP CHOSEN
The Tuscarawas County YMCA Board of Directors recently elected new officers to lead the YMCA for 2009. Elected as President was Bob Gerber of New Philadelphia, Steve Anderson, also of New Philadelphia was selected as 1st Vice President and Joe Woodhall of Dover was elected as 2nd Vice President. Elected Treasurer was Jim Crandall of New Philadelphia and Connie Colvin, of Dover was elected Secretary.
Six individuals were elected to three years terms on the YMCA Board of Directors for a term beginning January 1, 2009. Elected for a second three-year term were Bob Gerber and John Carpenter of New Philadelphia and Nathan Vaughan of Dover. Elected to first terms were Keith Kimble, Scott Lawrence, and John Nelson all of Dover. The Tuscarawas County YMCA Board of Directors is made up of 18 members that are elected from the membership of the YMCA. The YMCA is in its 90th year of service to the community and is located at 600 Monroe Street in Dover with program satellite in Dennison.
February 19, 2009
Program Contact Information: Keith Lands, Executive Director 330-364-5511
The Tuscarawas County YMCA kicked off the community portion of the 2009 Strong Kids Campaign on Monday February 16th at their monthly board meeting. The annual Strong Kids Campaign helps to provide membership and program assistance for deserving area youth and families who otherwise would not be able to afford YMCA activities and services. The 2009 campaign has a goal of $65,000 according to Bob Gerber, YMCA Board President.
The annual Strong Kids Campaign has been helping provide financial assistance for kids for more than 40 years and in 2008 helped 959 kids and family members by providing over $95,600 of financial aid. According to Keith Lands Executive Director, “We anticipate that with the current economic conditions in our community, that need of youth and families will only continue to grow as we honor our commitment of service to all persons regardless of their ability to pay.”
Strong Kids Campaign brochures and pledge cards have been mailed to local businesses and individuals and they are asked to review the material and to consider making a pledge for the 2009 campaign. For as little as $10 per month, you can help provide a YMCA membership for a deserving area child.
In addition to the annual giving campaign, three special events will be a part of this year’s fund raising efforts. The annual Joe Dragovich 5K Run will be held on Friday, June 12th , the 8th annual Jack Marsh Memorial Golf Outing On Wednesday, August 19th at Oak Shadows Golf Club in new Philadelphia, and the Berner Hog Roast Benefit in the fall.
For more information about the 2009 Strong Kids Campaign or to request assistance contact the YCMA at 330-364-5511. The Tuscarawas County YMCA builds strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
February 12, 2009 /Release: February 3, 2009
Program Contact Information: Brandi Hibbs, Health and Fitness Director 330-364-5511
Splash and Jam
The Tuscarawas County YMCA Health and Fitness Department is hosting a Splash and Jam evening at the Y on February 21st from 6-9 PM. Instead of hanging around the house, youth can enjoy a night of games, relays, crafts, storytelling, swimming, kid’s fitness classes, dancing/singing, the use of the youth center, and of course-fun! Youth twelve (12) and under are invited to join the Y staff and volunteers for this fitness fun evening. Youth ages five (5) and under are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult (at no additional charge). Registration is going on now! The cost is unbeatable at $5 for members and $10 for non members. Stop by or call the Y to register so you don’t miss out! Deadline to register is February 19th.
For more information please call Brandi Hibbs, Health and Fitness Director, 330-364-5511 or visit our website at tuscymca.org.
Press Release: January 20, 2009
THE TUSCARAWAS COUNTY YMCA PROVIDES RESPITE CHILD CARE SERVICES TO MILITARY FAMILIES
Armed Services YMCA and Department of Defense partnership supports child care needs of eligible military families
[Dover, January 20, 2009] – In a continued effort to meet the growing needs of military service members, the Tuscarawas County YMCA and Twin City YMCA will provide respite child care services to deployed National Guard/Reservists and select military personnel. Underwritten by the Department of Defense (DoD), respite child care services are designed to provide licensed child care for children of deployed military personnel.
“The Tuscarawas County YMCA and Twin City YMCA are pleased to support military families and the child care needs of deployed military personnel,” said Etta Hilfinger, YMCA Childcare Director “Providing a nurturing environment for families and children is integral to the YMCA’s commitment to child development and family strengthening.”
Respite child care provides part-time licensed child care for children whose parent or guardian needs temporary respite from their role as primary caregiver in the absence of a deployed spouse. The Tuscarawas County and Twin City YMCA provide after school care for school-aged children.
This new service is part of a $31-million initiative launched in October 2008 with the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and the DoD to provide military families with access to youth development, family strengthening, and health and well-being programs at community YMCAs nationwide. Included in this contract is $5 million earmarked to underwrite respite child care in 10 states across the country, including Ohio.
The ASYMCA-DoD Outreach Initiative responds to a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to support military family readiness and to ensure that military family readiness programs and activities are available to all deployed National Guard and Reserve families and select military personnel.
Military personnel who are eligible to receive the respite care benefits include:
Families of joint deployed Army National Guard and Reservists of all military branches;
Families of Active Duty Independent Duty personnel;
Relocated spouses and family members of deployed Active Duty personnel; and
Families of deployed Active Duty personnel, who are geographically dispersed outside a 30-mile radius from a military installation.
“The YMCA has a distinguished record of supporting military service members and their families. The Tuscarawas County YMCA continues our commitment to military members and their families by offering a strong network of support,” said Keith Lands, Executive Director.
Families interested in respite child care should contact Etta Hilfinger at the Tuscarawas County YMCA in Dover, or Shannon Tarbert, Site Coordinator for the Twin City YMCA in Dennison, to inquire about availability. For more information about the ASYMCA-DoD Outreach Initiative and participating YMCAs, please visit www.ymca.net.
January 20, 2009
YMCA introduces Futsal, a new twist to traditional program
Futsal is defined as an indoor version of soccer, but the Tuscarawas County YMCA defines it as fast-paced fun. This version of indoor soccer derived its name from the Portuguese futebol de salão and the Spanish fútbol sala, both of which mean hall football. Futsal is played between two teams each having 5 players. Unlike the traditional indoor soccer though, the futsal ball cannot be played off the walls. The ball is slightly heavier than a regular soccer ball which promotes better ball control skills. The court boundaries promote players to make quicker game decisions and allow players to improve their ball-handling skills.
A Futsal league will be played at the Tuscarawas County YMCA for Grades 3 through High School beginning on March 7th. Registration begins on Feb. 1st for YMCA members and Feb. 8th for others.
Regular indoor soccer will be offered for ages 3 through the 2nd grade beginning on March 7th. Registration begins on Feb. 1st for YMCA members and Feb. 8th for others.
For more information regarding Futsal, indoor soccer, or other YMCA sports, contact Shelly at 330-364-5511 or shelly@tuscymca.org.
YMCA offers support in tough times
Tough times bring a need for strong communities and strong families. Like Tuscarawas County residents, many Americans are feeling the impact of the tough economy. Job layoffs and financial set backs create challenges that many families are simply unprepared for. It is in these time that organizations like the YMCA can make the greatest impact. Strong kids, strong families and strong communities have long been the mission focus of the YMCA. Providing memberships and programs based on Christian principles and the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility help individuals focus on strengthening their spirit, mind and body. “These three elements, healthy spirit, mind and body are the keys to enduring tough times,” says Keith Lands, Executive Director of the Tuscarawas County YMCA. “Now more than ever we are focusing on the power of positive thinking, fellowship and programs that raise the spirit.”
The YMCA has always provided financial assistance through the support of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, which is funded by contributions from the community, area businesses and YMCA members and staff. To ensure this goal is met, each year the YMCA undertakes an annaual campaign to raise money to help meet the needs of these deserving area kids and families. It is only through the generosity of local businesses and individuals that the YMCA can ensure that no child is ever left out. Last year the YMCA provided assistance to over 1,000 individuals, totaling more than $90,000. “This allowed kids to learn to swim, participate in youth sports, use the YMCA Youth Fitness Center, participate in school-age childcare, and develop positive character,” says Lands. This year will be no exception. The YMCA will continue to provide support and will begin its campaign for 2009 very soon.
This year the YMCA has decided to take things a step further. The YMCA is also beginning a new program for current members that have been hit with the stress and financial burdens of a company layoff. YMCA active members that have become part of a layoff situation may now apply for membership assistance through a special program created by the YMCA Membership Department. “We want to support our members in their time of need, just like they have supported us by being loyal members,” says Kathleen Johnson, Marketing and Membership Director of the YMCA. “This program will help us continue our YMCA mission by supporting their spirit during these stressful times.” Membership Coordinator Sue Hummel has been working closely with corporate and community memberships for many years. She has seen firsthand the impact that job layoffs can have on YMCA members and their families. “That is why we our initiating this program now. We want to show our support by keeping them focused on staying healthy and active, and reducing stress,” says Hummel.
Physical exercise can reduce emotional symptoms of stress and depression. Family strengthening is equally important. Family time should become a priority and children should be taught about trimming the family budget. This can be and should be a learning time for everyone. During tough times, connections to the community, offering support to one another, and volunteering helps enrich life.
For more than 160 years, YMCAs have supported families and individuals in good and bad times, during some of the most challenging periods in our nation’s history. “This tradition of serving communities is what will get us through this time of change and uncertainty,” says Johnson “you can’t go it alone. We encourage members of the community to keep active, walk together, volunteer, be involved and stay focused on hope.”
YMCAs unite men, women, and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels. The Tuscarawas County YMCA, located at 600 Monroe Street, Dover, builds strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Membership, Financial Aid, and the Strong Kids Annual Giving Campaign information can be found at www.tuscymca.org.
THE TUSCARAWAS COUNTY YMCA PROVIDES RESPITE CHILD CARE SERVICES TO MILITARY FAMILIES
Armed Services YMCA and Department of Defense partnership supports child care needs of eligible military families
[Dover, January 20, 2009] – In a continued effort to meet the growing needs of military service members, the Tuscarawas County YMCA and Twin City YMCA will provide respite child care services to deployed National Guard/Reservists and select military personnel. Underwritten by the Department of Defense (DoD), respite child care services are designed to provide licensed child care for children of deployed military personnel.
“The Tuscarawas County YMCA and Twin City YMCA are pleased to support military families and the child care needs of deployed military personnel,” said Etta Hilfinger, YMCA Childcare Director “Providing a nurturing environment for families and children is integral to the YMCA’s commitment to child development and family strengthening.”
Respite child care provides part-time licensed child care for children whose parent or guardian needs temporary respite from their role as primary caregiver in the absence of a deployed spouse. The Tuscarawas County and Twin City YMCA provide after school care for school-aged children.
This new service is part of a $31-million initiative launched in October 2008 with the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and the DoD to provide military families with access to youth development, family strengthening, and health and well-being programs at community YMCAs nationwide. Included in this contract is $5 million earmarked to underwrite respite child care in 10 states across the country, including Ohio.
The ASYMCA-DoD Outreach Initiative responds to a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to support military family readiness and to ensure that military family readiness programs and activities are available to all deployed National Guard and Reserve families and select military personnel.
Military personnel who are eligible to receive the respite care benefits include:
Families of joint deployed Army National Guard and Reservists of all military branches;
Families of Active Duty Independent Duty personnel;
Relocated spouses and family members of deployed Active Duty personnel; and
Families of deployed Active Duty personnel, who are geographically dispersed outside a 30-mile radius from a military installation.
“The YMCA has a distinguished record of supporting military service members and their families. The Tuscarawas County YMCA continues our commitment to military members and their families by offering a strong network of support,” said Keith Lands, Executive Director.
Families interested in respite child care should contact Etta Hilfinger at the Tuscarawas County YMCA in Dover, or Shannon Tarbert, Site Coordinator for the Twin City YMCA in Dennison, to inquire about availability. For more information about the ASYMCA-DoD Outreach Initiative and participating YMCAs, please visit www.ymca.net.
December 2008
December 20:
YMCA 2nd Annual Wreath Auction Great SuccessThe Tuscarawas County YMCA held its 2nd annual Wreath Auction during the first week of December. Seventeen wreaths were donated by members and staff. “The selection of wreaths to choose from were such a variety of styles” said Kathleen Johnson, Marketing Director, “that is made it hard to pick just one to bid on”.
The YMCA began this event to raise funds and awareness to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. This campaign helps raise money to meet the needs of area kids and families through membership and programs. In 2008 the YMCA provided assistance to over 1,000 individuals, totaling more than $90,000. This allowed kids to learn to swim, participate in youth sports, use the YMCA Youth Fitness Center, participate in school age childcare, and develop the positive character development skills of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
The final gavel for the silent auction took place a Noon on December 5. The YMCA raised $491.00 in bids. This years auction also included 2 wreaths sponsored by the Tuscarawas Humane Society and 1 wreath from the Cats R Us Shelter totaling $106.00. A total of $597.00 was raised.
“We are so blessed by the support of our members and the community for this events success,” says Johnson. “Everyone involved from class participants, wreath donors and YMCA board members have a good time being involved. It makes all the planning worth while.”
The YMCA plans to continue this event next year. Awards for “Top Dollar Raised” went to Sue Hummel of Dover for her donation of a Ohio State Wreath which raised $75 dollars and was purchased by Becky Mastin of Dover . Karol Jones won the “Member’s Choice Award” with her wreath called “Candy Christmas” purchased by Melody Rader of Dover .
For more information regarding the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and how you can donate or support one of the many special fund raising events contact the Tuscarawas County YMCA at 330-364-5511 or click on the donate tab at www.tuscymca.org.
