The Gateway Family YMCA Staff Supports Annual Campaign with Over $38,000 in Donations

Elizabeth, NJ, June 25, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Staff members from The Gateway Family YMCA donated more than $38,000 to the Annual Campaign in 2014, recognizing the need and impact made by the Y in the community. “Every year, staff giving is at the heart of the annual campaign,” stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA, “It’s a humbling feeling to know that staff feel so strongly for our organization’s mission that they give back to those in need.” The Gateway Family YMCA staff giving increased over 2013, with over 50% of staff donating to the Y’s Annual Campaign.

Every day, The Gateway Family YMCA works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues. Annual Campaign donations help to ensure that everyone in the community has access to vital programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Annual Campaign began in February with a staff appeal, and further continues to a public appeal. “Staff members give to the campaign for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is personal; because they know someone who was a recipient of financial assistance that has changed their life,” stated Melynda A. Mileski, EVP/COO at The Gateway Family YMCA, “Our staff members see the difference the YMCA makes in their community first hand, up close and personal every day.”

The Gateway Family YMCA uses financial gifts to help individuals and families in need, providing financial assistance for membership, programs and services to the community. In 2013, 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, 650 children to experience lasting memories and friendship in summer camp and 500 children to learn and grow in YMCA child care. The Y helps families to reconnect and grow together, provides a support system and a place to live for those in need, and assists countless others through education and training to reach their full potential. The 2014 campaign goal is to raise $750,000 in donations to support those in need in the communities surrounding Elizabeth, Rahway and Union.

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.

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.

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