Together We Can Achieve so Much More at The Gateway Family YMCA

Elizabeth, NJ, February 27, 2014 --(PR.com)-- In a flurry of online posting and pledges, The Gateway Family YMCA launched their Annual Campaign over this past snowy weekend. Annual Campaign donations help to ensure that everyone in our community has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The 2014 campaign goal is to raise $750,000 in donations to support those in need in the communities surrounding Elizabeth, Rahway and Union.

Every day, The Gateway Family YMCA works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues. The Gateway Family YMCA uses financial gifts to help individuals and families in need participate in programs such as: Early Learning Readiness - school readiness, Diabetes Prevention Program - chronic disease prevention, employment skills training, teen leadership programs, supportive housing, social services and so much more right here in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union. In 2013, The Gateway Family YMCA provided over $480,000 in financial assistance for membership, programs and services to the community.

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 well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors,” stated Joseph Venezia, Leadership Council Committee Co-Chairperson. “Throughout the community countless people know the Y, but there’s so much more to our Y than one might think,” stated Ann Zwiebel Revaitis, Leadership Council Committee Co-Chairperson. From Exercise to Education, from Health to Housing, from Volleyball to Volunteerism, from Preschool to Preventive Health, the Y doesn’t just strengthen bodies– it strengthens people, families and communities.

In 2013, many charitable gifts from YMCA donors helped to make it possible for 1700 children to have a safe place to learn and build confidence after school; over 650 children to experience lasting memories and friendship in summer camp, 500 children to learn and grow in YMCA child care, for families to reconnect and grow together, for those in need to gain a support system and a place to live; and countless others to access education and training to reach their full potential. “We rely on the support of the community to enable us to continue to provide the services our community so greatly needs,” stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO. The Gateway Family YMCA is more than a gym. It’s a cause.

The Gateway Family YMCA, formerly 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 Gateway Family YMCA impacts the community by providing quality services to people of all ages, races, faith or incomes. The Y doesn’t just strengthen bodies – it strengthens people, families and communities.

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact The Gateway Family YMCA – Association Office at 908.249.4800 or visit www.tgfymca.org/donate for more information.