YMCA of Greenville announces 2021 Annual Campaign goal with a vision to deepen its impact in the community

2021 Annual Campaign funds will carry out the Y’s mission at a time when community need is higher than ever

YMCA of Greenville announced its 2021 Annual Campaign goal of $1.1 million. The Annual Campaign, chaired by Brad Lucas, will help communities through outreach programming, access to opportunities, and providing financial assistance to those in need. In 2020, despite economic loss and having to temporarily suspend operations, the YMCA of Greenville leveraged Annual Campaign funds to spearhead efforts to support those hit hardest by the pandemic. Food delivery, emergency childcare, e-learning, and blood drives were some of the ways the Y responded to the critical need.

The 2021 YMCA Annual Campaign will support all YMCAs in Greenville County through COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Efforts, Childcare Support, Safety Around Water, Health & Wellness Outreach, Mental Wellness and Youth Mind, Body, and Spirit Enrichment.

Funding the food delivery program, which began last year and has delivered over 4500 bags of food to families in need, will allow for geographic expansion in Taylors in partnership with other outreach organizations. This program serves more than 100 socially isolated seniors on fixed incomes in downtown Greenville, as well. The financial assistance funded by the Annual Campaign will also allow individuals and families to work toward maintaining their health by participating in programs such as wellness memberships, youth sports, and aquatics—in line with the YMCA’s commitment to reduce drowning rates and keep children safe, the Annual Campaign funds lifesaving learn-to-swim programs for under resourced children. Funding will also be allocated for developmental programs for children such as after-school childcare, Youth in Government, day camps and overnight camp at Camp Greenville.

Over the past twelve years, the YMCA of Greenville has raised more than $11 million for the Annual Campaign, putting 100 percent of those funds back into the community.

“Last year, we discovered an unbelievable need in our community that was made even more severe with the onset of the pandemic,” said Diana Watson, chief philanthropy officer for the YMCA of Greenville. “The fundraising mission is twofold now. While providing need-based financial assistance for those who want to participate in the Y’s programs remains a foundational part of our mission, we’re also going to continue our relief outreach initiatives so that we can serve even more people and deepen the Y’s impact.”

“Being ‘for all’ is what defines the YMCA of Greenville,” said Scot Baddley, president and CEO, YMCA of Greenville. “Over the past year we’ve seen that take on a whole new meaning. We’re not only helping people who want to come to the Y; we’re also helping people outside our walls, and we want to reach even further. We’re changing lives, and every dollar we raise counts. I’m so thankful to be a part of what the Y is doing along with all our staff and volunteers.”

To give to the YMCA of Greenville’s Annual Campaign, visit www.ymcagreenville.org/give.

About the YMCA of Greenville SC

The YMCA of Greenville is a cause-driven non-profit organization. Our mission is, following the example of Christ, to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the health and well-being of our community and provides opportunities to give back and help support our neighbors. Founded in 1876, the Y serves more than 70,000 people annually through programs that include afterschool care, resident and day Camps, aquatics, youth and adult sports, and health and wellness. Programs are offered through four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Y Camp Greenville, Judson Community Center, the YMCA Program Center and Hollingsworth Outdoor Center. The Y is also home to Y Teen Services and the SC Youth in Government program.

For more information about the YMCA of Greenville, visit ymcagreenville.org, or call (864) 412-0288.