Invest In Youth

You can now donate Online. Just click on the Invest in Youth - Donate Now button at the right

“I thank you with all my heart for your hard work that makes it possible for me to attend, and special thank to all those who help make the scholarships possible. As I had no other way to attend….This has been of great importance to me.”
YMCA Invest in Youth Scholarship Recipient

The West Cook YMCA provides scholarship and subsidy assistance so that no one is ever turned away from the YMCA for inability to pay. The funds to support the subsidies and scholarships are raised through our annual support campaign known as “Invest in Youth.” In 2009, 633 scholarships in the amount of $97,266 were provided and 996 memberships totaling $150,102 were subsidized. And while we call our campaign “Invest in Youth,” the dollar raised not only support children and young people but seniors, single parents, and other adults and families in need.

YMCA members and supporters of the YMCA in the communities we serve contribute to the “Invest in Youth” program in several ways:
 

• All net proceed from the Annual Gala held in April support “Invest in Youth.” Opportunities include purchasing a ticket(s) for the Gala or participating in the 50/50 raffle. The 2010 Spring Gala will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2010.

• The Annual Christmas Tree sale, held between Thanksgiving and Christmas each year, is also a fund-raiser for the scholarship/subsidy effort. You can buy your tree or volunteer your time in the tree lot. It is a great way to meet new people and to share in the joy of the holiday season.

• And finally, there is a campaign held in November of each year where donations are sought from all of our Members, our Board of Directors, our Staff and our community supporters. You can chart the progress of the campaign by watching the big thermometer which is always placed in the lobby around November 1. All members receive letters about the campaign, but if you have not, of if you are not a Y member but are interested in giving, just ask for information at the Welcome Desk.

Additionally, donations can be accepted at any time during the year. You can add an amount to your monthly membership draft which makes it really to make a donation or donate online by clicking on the button at the right.

For donations at the $1000 level or higher (known as our Chairman’s Roundtable Level) you will also have the opportunity of having a banner with your name or your company’s name hung in our YMCA for the year to recognize your support.

The YMCA’s scholarship/subsidy program is a clear expression of our mission to build stronger kids, families and communities. It is one of the many ways we seek to build an inclusive community reaching out to those in need.

For more information on Invest in Youth, where to donate, or to volunteer your time in support of Invest in Youth events and activities, please contact David Parsons, West Cook YMCA COO at dparsons@westcookymca.org or 708-434-0203.