For Hometown news
INDIANTOWN --
The YMCA of the Treasure Coast Louis Dreyfus Citrus Branch in Indiantown was able to achieve its $50,000 fundraising goal for 2012 thanks to the generosity of two former county commissioners from Martin County,
"Each year we are challenged to raise enough funds to meet the need in Indiantown," said Shawn Keil, executive branch director. "Our fundraising goal has to be met to be able to fully serve our Indiantown community."
Ed Ciampi and Patrick Hayes presented the YMCA in Indiantown with a $15,000 gift to help provide swim lessons, infant care and summer camp.
These three programs are the most important that the YMCA offers to the families in Indiantown.
"Both Mr. Hayes and Mr. Ciampi were very active in Indiantown while in office," said Mr. Keil. "They understand the challenges of this community. I applaud them both for all they do."
Mr. Keil also credited Indiantown chamber director, Hilary McKeich, for telling the YMCA story, which helped direct the funds to the YMCA in Indiantown. Ms. McKeich also is a volunteer on the Y's advisory council.
"The Y serves the working poor in Indiantown and we believe those children deserve quality childcare and services," said Mr. Keil. "Because of the funds we raise, the families we serve will not have to stress while working to make ends meet."
Each summer more than 500 different families learn how to swim at the YMCA in Indiantown. The Y also partners with local churches and other non-profits to teach their participants how to swim.
The Y's own fundraising efforts, along with the Children's Services Council of Martin County SPLASH program, make it financially possible for the Y to operate the pool in Indiantown. Without the pool and the swim lessons the YMCA provides, many children could be at risk of drowning.
The YMCA of the Treasure Coast will kick off its 2013 fundraising campaign at 6 p.m. on March 7 with its annual children's art auction.
For more information, call (772) 215-9780.