Rachel Sheets
The Edmond Sun
EDMOND — The Edmond YMCA raised $105,291 during its Strong Kids Campaign this year, surpassing the goal of $105,000.
The money raised during the annual fundraiser supports families nationwide who cannot afford to be involved in the programs and services the Y offers.
All the YMCAs in the Oklahoma City area raised 99 percent of their goal, which was $926,100.
Although the Edmond Y raised more than its goal, Executive Director Mike Roark thinks that more money will trickle in even after the campaign, which ended Tuesday.
“We are very excited to have reached that goal,” Roark said. “Especially in these economic times.”
Edmond Resident Jay Ford is also excited that the Y has raised enough money since he recently cancelled his family’s membership to the Y for financial reasons.
“I am really encouraged that I can still take the kids to the Y to play racquetball and other games,” Ford said. “This has allowed us to keep that aspect of our lives intact.”
Campaign Chair Leslie Buford is encouraged by how much the campaign benefits families like the Fords.
“It’s a huge deal to me knowing that kids can go to summer camp this summer because of the money we raised from the campaign,” Buford said.
Buford’s one-year term ended Tuesday night, and Vice Chair Shari Talley will take over as campaign chair for the 2010-11 Strong Kids Campaign.
“She’s been so great to work with and so enthusiastic,” Buford said. “There have been times when I have been wiped out and busy, and she was the one who motivated me to keep going.”
Volunteers will be needed for next year’s campaign as well to continue to raise money to support Edmond families. Roark said that it is rewarding to work with volunteers who are devoted to the campaign and the community.
“I like seeing people pull together to achieve something like this,” Roark said.
