Hunterdon County YMCA Names 2010 Strong Kids Campaign Leadership

(Jan. 28, 2010) Each year, the Hunterdon County YMCA conducts the Strong Kids Campaign to provide families in need with financial support to participate in membership and program activities at the Hunterdon County YMCA. YMCA members and community volunteers hope to raise more than this year’s goal of $180,000 to provide membership assistance and scholarships to programs like summer camp, child care and teen activities, so that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. The 2010 Strong Kids Campaign kicks-off on Feb. 8 at Roman Jewelers in Flemington.

The Strong Kids Campaign is led by volunteers who make a commitment to serve their neighbors in need. Jim Lewy, serving as the Campaign Chair, will lead the 2010 Strong Kids Campaign. He will be supported by Jason Read, who will chair the Team Section of the Campaign.

Jim Lewy is a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors in Flemington. He serves on the Hunterdon County YMCA Board of Trustees and has been a member of the YMCA for over ten years. Jim is a resident of Flemington. His wife, son and daughter also volunteer for the YMCA.

Jason Read is an Olympic Rowing gold medalist and a US National team veteran training for his third Olympic Games. As Chief of the Amwell Valley – Ringoes Rescue Squad, he was among those who responded to the World Trade Center after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He is a lifelong resident of Ringoes and is pursuing a Masters Degree in Homeland Security from St. Joseph’s University. He is a motivational speaker and founder of a consulting firm focused on non-profit management, education, public policy and transportation. Jason is the youngest member of the Hunterdon County YMCA Board of Trustees and also serves on the Temple University Owl Club Executive Committee.

“Strong Kids promotes the one thing missing in our children’s lives—an active and healthy childhood,” said Jim Lewy, this year’s Strong Kids Campaign Chair. “For many kids, it’s a chance of a lifetime just to go to camp in the summer or play on a soccer team that puts teamwork and friendship ahead of winning.”

“I am pleased to be involved with the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign because kids are growing up too fast and missing the years that determine their talents, passions and future life plans. The Strong Kids Campaign promotes childhood in Hunterdon County,” said Jason Read.

YMCA programs help children and teens to be strong in spirit, mind and body. Concerns about childhood obesity and lack of physical activity are often raised in the media. The YMCA offers a variety of programs to help children be more active. These programs don’t require that a child be an athlete, but gives them the opportunity to find activities that are fun and that they enjoy doing. Young people learn teamwork and leadership skills, which will serve them both on and off the field. In addition, values such as caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are taught as part of all YMCA programs.

Through the Hunterdon County YMCA’s 2010 Strong Kids Campaign, over 2,100 people in Hunterdon County will be able to participate in Y programs that build strong kids, families and communities.

To become involved with the 2010 Strong Kids Campaign, please call Hilary Kruchowy at 908-236-7879 x11. For more information, visit www.hcymca.org.

YMCA Open House and Tropical Fun Fest Set for Feb. 14

(Jan. 22, 2010) - The Hunterdon County YMCA invites everyone to Shake Off the Winter Blues at the YMCA Tropical Fun Fest on Sunday, February 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Deer Path Branch, 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington.

There will be fun activities such as a moon bounce, crafts, face painting, music, and opening swimming until 5:00 p.m. Radio station NJ 101.5 will join us for music and giveaways, and healthy snacks will be available. This is a free family event open to the entire community. YMCA staff members will be available for tours of the facility and to answer questions.

For more information, please call 908-782-1030 or visit www.hcymca.org.

Hunterdon County YMCA Celebrates Campaign Success

(Jan. 4, 2010) - With the support of the community, the Hunterdon County YMCA reached its 2009 Strong Kids Campaign goal of $185,000 to support participation in the Hunterdon County YMCA and programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body. This amount is the most the YMCA has ever raised during an annual campaign in its 106-year history. The 2009 Strong Kids Campaign was led by volunteer chair Bart Fellin.

“To see the continuous support of our friends and neighbors and the committed efforts of all of our volunteers is really inspiring,” said Fellin. “Our community has really come together to help the Y build strong kids, families and communities here in Hunterdon County.”

Officially launched February 4, 2009, the Hunterdon County YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign raised money to provide financial assistance and program subsidies ensuring that the YMCA remains open and accessible to the youth and teens of Hunterdon County, regardless of their ability to pay. Every cent of the money raised helps the YMCA allow access to critical programs and services including summer camp, after school programs, childcare, family memberships, youth sports and teen development programs.

“Since its very beginnings, the YMCA has depended on the leadership of community members who volunteer to make a commitment to serve their neighbors in need,” said Bruce Black President/CEO of the Hunterdon County YMCA. “Congratulations to Bart, our volunteers and everyone who worked on this year’s campaign. Thanks to their tireless dedication, and the generosity of our friends, we are able to offer financial assistance, making the YMCA accessible to all.”

In 2009, the YMCA saw a dramatic increase in financial assistance requests. There was an increase of nearly $40,000 over the previous year. Overall in 2009, the YMCA provided $340,000 of financial assistance to kids and families. As the community continues to wrestle with this difficult economy, residents of Hunterdon County have turned to the YMCA.

The 2010 YMCA Strong Kids Campaign will kick-off on February 8. The YMCA is in need of volunteers to help raise funds for the 2010 campaign. For more information, please contact Hilary Kruchowy at 908-236-7879 ext. 11.