Press release from The Community YMCA
“Helping Kids Soar to New Heights” is the theme of the 2017 Annual Campaign, coordinated by The Community YMCA and launched with a Wednesday evening event at the nonprofit organization’s Family Health and Wellness Center on Maple Avenue, Red Bank.
The April 5 public event served as the official kickoff to an 8-week community fundraising initiative that seeks to generate $550,400 in support. The funds will help children and families who are in need of financial assistance to take advantage of such Y programs as affordable childcare, swim lessons, counseling and summer camp. Funds will also help underwrite mission-driven and community initiatives such as the Y Achievers college-readiness program, water safety programs and free memberships to Red Bank children in grades pre-K-8.
Attendees who gathered inside the CYMCA facility’s gymnasium were scheduled to be treated to musical selections by the Red Bank Middle School Band and a pair of songs (“I Believe I Can Fly” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”) performed by borough preschoolers. Students from the Red Bank Charter School prepared a “Healthy U’ presentation, and announced speakers included CYMCA’s CEO Rhonda Anderson, campaign chairperson Carol Agresti, Red Bank Primary School Principal Luigi Laugelli, and Y Achiever Yaneice Dean, a junior at Red Bank Catholic High School.
Guests, set to include representatives from The Rotary Club of Red Bank, local school officials and YMCA Board members, also enjoyed a light dinner catered by Red Wagon Meals. Activities offered for kids and adults included a photo booth with colorful, hot-air balloon background created by kids.
With executive offices in Shrewsbury and two fully equipped recreational facilities, The Community YMCA serves more than 20,000 people throughout Monmouth County. Visit the CYMCA website for more details on the charity’s mission and the ongoing annual campaign.
