MALTA — The Saratoga Regional YMCA officially began its 2023 Annual Campaign on Monday, with the goal of raising $400,000 to help ensure their services are available to all.
The campaign was launched at the Malta YMCA, and featured Saratoga Regional YMCA CEO Scott Clark and Saratoga Regional YMCA Board of Directors member Allison Meyers. Children from the Malta YMCA’s childcare center were also on hand to help kick off the campaign.
Clark said this was a great fit due to the importance of providing childcare services. The Saratoga Regional YMCA provides early learning, before- and after-school, and preschool programs.
“Childcare is an essential part of what is needed every day for parents to be able to work, but also develop these kids so they can grow, learn, and thrive as they move on and prepare for kindergarten and beyond,” said Clark. “The Y served last year over 1,500 kids in our childcare program, and currently is seeing about 700 children a day in childcare.”
The YMCA raised over $650,000 last year, Meyers said, emphasizing that this money helps provide opportunities to those who may not be able to afford it.
“It may have been a chance for their child to go to summer camp when they’ve never had that chance before, or maybe a chance to participate in youth sports programming that this made possible,” Meyers said. “This is why the Y is here. This is why we’re here in the community, and it is this annual campaign that makes it possible for us to provide these programs to everybody in the community, regardless of their ability to pay.”
The kids sang ‘You’ve Got a Friend In Me’ by Randy Newman, and spoke about their favorite parts of the YMCA, with many saying they enjoy time with their teachers and friends. Clark said the song was fitting, saying the YMCA provides “that opportunity for friendship.”
“They’re staying here, spending time with their teachers, developing friendships, learning how to play, learning hopefully about the Y’s values,” said Clark.
Clark said the YMCA is “so proud” of their goal to never turn anyone away based on their ability or inability to pay for services.
“It is my hope that together, we can make an even greater impact on the health and wellness of our community in 2023 and beyond,” added Meyers.
