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YMCA set to kick of We Build People campaign

Special to the R&L

Published: January 19, 2010

The YMCA of Iredell County will kick off its We Build People campaign during a special event Saturday.

Proceeds from the We Build People Campaign will fund scholarships for YMCA programs such as child care and day camp to families that otherwise might not be able to afford them.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, YMCA Chief Executive Officer Marcheta Campbell and YMCA board members Edie Holland, John Koppelmeyer and Phil Hazel will join YMCA staff and members at Little Joe's Chapel in Barium Springs to officially launch the campaign.

The event — themed "The Great Escape" — will feature harpist Rebecca Jones and illusionist Andy Lackey. It will also involve a live and silent auction, with items donated by members of the community.

All of the items up for bid provide "escapes," including mountain and beach getaways, ACC basketball tickets, spa packages and a hot-air balloon ride. Tickets to the event are $25 each and are available for purchase at the Statesville and Barium Springs YMCA. Pre-orders are encouraged, but tickets will be available at the door.
"We are proud to be able to meet the growing needs of our community by providing financial assistance for individuals and families who want and need YMCA programs but may not otherwise be able to afford them," said Campbell. "Our goal for 2010 is to raise $50,000 to provide scholarships for children and families from all income levels to participate in YMCA programs."

The YMCA provides programs such as day camp, child care, youth sports, swim lessons, afterschool care and summer camp in Iredell County.

"Children and families in our community need and deserve the family-oriented programs and services the YMCA can provide," said Holland. "Few things are more important than a healthy lifestyle, strong community, positive role models and quality time spent together as a family. This is a critical campaign for the future of our community, and I am honored to be involved."

Last year, the YMCA of Iredell County support campaign raised $32,000, which allowed more than 1,100 children and families to participate in programs. More than 120 people made charitable gifts to the YMCA campaign last year.