Newton YMCA launches 2014 annual campaign to support community needs

The Newton YMCA has launched its annual campaign to ensure everyone in the Jasper County area has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

For more than 140 years the Y has played a major role in providing exercise, recreational and fellowship opportunities. While widely seen as a fitness center, the Y is much more. As one of the largest non-profits in Newton, the Y provides a safe, fun and educational outlet for thousands of individuals and families each year.

“Throughout Jasper County, countless people know the Newton Y as a place to come exercise, use the gym or the swimming pool,” said Emily Allen, board director and this year’s campaign chairperson. “But there’s much more to our Y than one might think. The Y is more than a gym, it’s a cause. As a charity, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and wellbeing, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors.”

The Y hopes to raise more than $60,000 to continue its community work. Funds raised will support many programs such as full-time child care and preschool, land and water exercise classes, personal training, a variety of adult and youth recreational sports, dance and gymnastic classes, swim lessons, art and crafts classes, and a variety of free community events.

Outside of helping people live healthier lives by working out, the Y also has a great impact on the Jasper County community. The Y employs more than 150 people annually with a payroll of more than $900,000, provides child care for more than 90 children each week day, serves as a partner with many other non-profit organizations and provides nearly $120,000 in financial assistance for child care, memberships and programs.

For 2014, an online donation option has been added. To make a donation online visit www.ymca.net/give, type in "Newton, Iowa" or zip code "50208." The page will be directed to Newton YMCA, then click on the word "GIVE" and the donation page opens.

To learn more about how to support the Y’s cause, contact 2014 Campaign Chairpersons Emily Allen at (641) 417-8108 or by email at eallen1168@hotmaill.com and Doug Smith at (641) 792-7311 or email smithd@newton.k12.ia.us.

For complete details, contact the Newton Y at (641) 792-4006 ext. 235 or frank.buckley@newtonymca.org.