YMCA celebrates exceeding $725,000 campaign goal

YMCA volunteers and staff celebrated exceeding their annual campaign goal of $725,000 by raising $750,624 for the YMCA's financial assistance program. The Y. For a Better Us. annual campaign kicked off on Feb. 23 challenging the Y's seven branches, YMCA Camp Weona, and the YMCA association office to reach and hopefully exceed this goal in a mere eight weeks.

Awards were presented to the following branches at the victory dinner, which was held at 500 Seneca:

•George M. Standish Award (presented to the branch that exceeds its goal by the highest percentage) was awarded to William-Emslie, which was 108.1 percent over its goal of $50,000, raising $54,032.

•Alfred F. Whitford Award (presented to the branch with the greatest growth in pledged dollars) was awarded to the Southtowns Family Branch YMCA, achieving $10,535 growth over 2015.

•President's Cup Award (presented to the branch that secures the highest percentage of renewal value based on 2015 victory report). This year, the award went to the Southtowns Family YMCA, which had a 57 percent retention rate.

Last year, YMCA Buffalo Niagara raised over $716,000 and gave out more than $1 million in financial assistance thanks to the annual campaign. One in every four campers and one in every four school-age child care participants, along with over 500 families and adults, are able to benefit from YMCA programs and services thanks to the generosity of those who contribute to the annual campaign.

Locally founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a charitable, community-based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

The YMCA's focus on health and wellness is reflected in the variety of programs that are offered for all ages and abilities. Additionally, collaborations with insurance carriers such as Univera, Independent Health and BlueCross BlueShield provide the opportunity for those wanting to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle to do so at the YMCA.

A not-for-profit organization, YMCA Buffalo Niagara serves over 100,000 people annually through the seven branches located throughout Western New York, YMCA Camp Weona, as well as at over 40 community-based program sites. For more information, visit www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org.