As many of you know, I am a member of the Effingham YMCA. My involvement with the Y is really special to me for many reasons. I helped to bring the YMCA to Effingham County in 1999 and was the original steering committee chair.
I have served on the board of managers for 14 years and as the board chair for several of those 14. Now, my wife Loretta and I also participate in the sit and fit class weekly and her doctor is pleased with the progress she has made in her mobility through regular exercise.
I am thankful for the Y and the role it plays in the life of my family and I want to make sure the opportunity is afforded to everyone in my community.
The Effingham YMCA promises to furnish financial assistance to anyone who cannot afford program or membership fees. I am proud to be a part of that promise.
In addition to the financial assistance provided, the YMCA impacts many lives in our community.
What would Effingham look like without the YMCA? What would happen to all of the individuals listed below:
665 children were nurtured in our childcare programs.
705 children learned sportsmanship and healthy living in our sports program.
421 children learned to swim and improved their skills in our aquatics program.
5,800 Effingham residents were members of this facility in 2013.
Along with our impact to the community as a whole, in 2013, over 1,800 Effingham residents received assistance through our financial assistance program totaling more than $75,000.
This year, with the need greater than ever, I am again working as a campaigner to help the YMCA continue to fulfill its mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
This year, I hope you will join me and consider making a contribution to our annual campaign.
Our goal is $58,000 and we have just a few weeks left to raise that total.
Thank you for prayerfully considering this request.
Pete Lancaster, Volunteer/Board Member
Effingham YMCA