Greater Bergen County YMCA Launching Annual Support Campaign

NEW MILFORD, NJ – The Greater Bergen County YMCA is launching its annual fundraising campaign and inviting the community to get involved by attending a kick-off event on Monday, Feb.6 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Greater Bergen County YMCA - New Milford Center, 1092 Carnation Dr., New Milford. The Y’s Annual Support Campaign makes it possible for all children and adults in the community to access vital programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Join the Y on Feb.6 for games, activities, food and stories of impact as the Y welcomes the community to its new location in New Milford. Meet staff and local leaders while enjoying light refreshments. RSVP to attend this free event online or call 973-758-9039. This will also be an opportunity to learn about Y programs including 2023 summer camps.

Since its founding, the Y has worked to respond to the needs of the community and though the past three years have been filled with change, the Y’s mission to serve the community has remained the same.

“Throughout our communities, countless people know and depend on the Y, but we’re so much more than many people realize,” said Richard K. Gorab, President and CEO of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, which includes the Greater Bergen County Y. “In addition to being the place children learn to swim or adults go for their daily workout, we’re also constantly responding to the needs of our community. 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—all to create a better us.”

This past year, charitable gifts from YMCA donors made it possible for the Greater Bergen County Y to:

• Award over $538,000 in financial assistance
• Support 327 neighbors through Y programs
• Provide financial assistance to nearly half of kids attending summer camp in 2022
• Provide 1 in 10 kids in School Age Child Care with financial assistance to participate in after-school programs.

To meet the growing number of requests for financial assistance in 2023, the Y hopes to raise $95,000 through its “Imagine” campaign so more families can participate in programs like Y child care and summer camp, regardless of their ability to pay.

“By giving to the Y, you can help our community grow stronger and empower others to reach their potential,” said Glenn MacAfee, Executive Director of the Greater Bergen Y. “As requests for financial assistance rise, we will continue to meet that need, and we’re thankful for our members, donors, partners, and all those who support our mission.”

For more information about the Y’s work and to donate, visit givebutter.com/GBY.

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ABOUT THE Y
Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.