Inspiring Healthy Families at the Y

Elizabeth, NJ, October 19, 2013 --(PR.com)-- The YMCA of Eastern Union County Believes the Family That Plays Together Stays Healthy Together

Family, Fun, Fitness, Health and Community are words heard every day at the YMCA of Eastern Union County. This Fall, the YMCA opened the doors of its branches to the community in Elizabeth, Union and Rahway, inviting families to join in healthy activities celebrating Family Fun & Fitness Day at the Y! “The turnout was way more than I expected and seeing the whole family engaging together really made the event worth the while,” stated Thomas Galuppo, Youth & Teen Coordinator at the Five Points Branch in Union, NJ.

Krystal Canady, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Union County stated, “What an impactful way to strengthen our communities.” At the YMCA of Eastern Union County – Elizabeth Branch, Mayor Christian Bollwage was on hand to participate in the Family Fun & Fitness Day events, which included raffles, a DJ, the local Fire Department and a K-9 Dog Presentation. Rafael Cano, Health & Well-Being Coordinator shared, “The event ran very smoothly and we were able to accomplish our goal, which was to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity and balanced nutrition.”

Families from the surrounding communities participated in the activities during the event, that can only be described as Enjoyable, Energetic and Engaging. Jessica Ezell, a community participant, shared, “My family really enjoyed Family Fun and Fitness Day, the YMCA should do more events like this!” Families had the opportunity to participate in events that included a live DJ, raffles, family games, family Zumba, boot camp, swimming, healthy snacks, while the YMCA provided information on healthy activities for the entire family. “Family Fun and Fitness day was non-stop fun for the whole family. Families were able to participate in all the activities together. The atmosphere was very positive and it brought many families together,” added Thomas. Hands down, the favorite family activities at the Five Points Branch included Family Zumba and face painting. Throughout the YMCA branches, staff donned healthy vegetable costumes, which garnered a lot of giggles from the children.

At the YMCA of Eastern Union County, cultivating healthy families is part of every program and event. “Seeing all the families come together in a healthy fun way gives meaning to what we do here at the YMCA,” stated Lisa Yanez, Child Care Director at the Five Points Branch Early Learning Development Center in Union, NJ. The YMCA of Eastern Union County offers a variety of programs and events to support healthy family living in the communities of Elizabeth, Union and Rahway. The Y creates opportunities to share family experiences to help create strong, connected, and healthy families.

The YMCA of Eastern Union County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community and stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility. The Y impacts the community by providing quality services to people of all ages, races, faiths or incomes. The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community.

For more information, please contact the YMCA of Eastern Union County – Five Points Branch at fivepointsinfo@ymcaeuc.org, 908-688-9622, Elizabeth Branch at elizabethinfo@ymcaeuc.org, 908-355-9622, Rahway Branch at rahwayinfo@ymcaeuc.org, 908-388-0057 or visit us at www.ymcaeuc.org.

Contact:
Colleen Clayton
YMCA of Eastern Union County
908-249-4811
cclayton@ymcaeuc.org