June 23, 2010 -- The Mankato Family YMCA’s annual membership fundraising campaign surpassed its 2010 goal, Executive Director John Kind reported today. The result, he said, is that the Y will be better equipped to open its doors to low-income families.

The goal of the 2010 Strong Kids Campaign was to raise $136,000 from mid-April to early June.  Kind reported that contributions to the campaign totaled $142,662.

 “This is money that, for the most part, was raised from members by members,” Kind said. “It’s heartening to know we have so many among us who believe in the YMCA enough to volunteer and do this kind of work for us.”

In the campaign, member volunteers formed teams to solicit contributions from other YMCA members.  The effort was chaired this year by Mike Schmitt and Andy Nessler. DeeDra Vosburg and Sarah Person oversaw the fundraising teams.

The money generated through the campaign will be used toward helping subsidize memberships for low-income families. Inherent in the Mankato organization’s mission is to be accessible to all members of the community regardless of income.

“Members who contribute have a right to be proud of how they’re helping neighbors improve their health and their lives,” Kind said. “And in turn, we’re proud to operate an organization where that can happen. Thanks to the work of Mike, Andy, DeeDra and Sarah and dozens of other committed campaigners we’re able to do it even better.”

Lamplighters' Club

The Lamplighters' task was to light the way - to help people see ahead. Our Lamplighters Club is composed of men and women who believe and have faith in the YMCA's future. They are concerned citizens who have felt and seen the impact of the YMCA on the lives of people. Through becoming Lamplighters - men and women have included the YMCA in their estate plans, having assured the strength and stability of our YMCA for future generations.

The Lamplighters' Club is open to everyone who is interested in the YMCA and it's future viability and chooses to enhance its Endowment Fund.

For more information contact Tami Paulsen, Director of the Endowment Development.