PORT ANGELES — Ready. Set. Campaign.
The Olympic Peninsula YMCA will kick off its annual Power of Community campaign Thursday.
The fundraiser is to ensure that everyone has access to community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Olympic Peninsula YMCA CEO Kyle Cronk said in a Monday announcement.
Last year, the Power of Community campaign raised $141,678 for those who could not afford the full cost of a Y membership or program fee.
More than 50 volunteers are ready to help the Y meet its 2015 campaign goal of $135,000, Cronk said.
“Our campaigners play the crucial role of rallying hundreds of community members and businesses to support the cause of the YMCA, making it a truly grassroots effort,” Cronk said.
“Each year they bring a sense of enthusiasm and creativity to the cause, and this year is no different.”
This year’s Power of Community campaign runs through April 9.
Volunteers will ask the public to support the Y with letters and phone calls.
Campaigners will organize special events, launch fitness challenges and cultivate “the spirit of generosity through conversation,” Cronk said.
Cronk provided examples of the dedication of Power of Community volunteers.
For the past 11 years, Gary Huff of Sequim has hosted a 25-mile hike-a-thon for the campaign.
He is asking friends, family and fellow Y supporters to donate to the cause and join him on the walk from downtown Port Angeles to Sequim on Saturday.
“I am passionate about the YMCA’s mission to encourage a healthy lifestyle for all individuals regardless of age or demographic,” Huff said in a statement provided by Cronk.
“I believe everyone wants to live in a community where all individuals have the opportunity to reach their potential. The hike represents my healthy way to support the cause.”
He added: “I am also proud that the funds raised through the annual campaign ensure that no one is turned away because of an inability to pay.”
The volunteer “Team Money Makers” will encourage people to dress in their favorite era of fitness for a DJ dance party March 26 at the Metta Room, 132 E. Front St., Port Angeles.
The dance party will have a raffle, celebrity guests and fitness challenges, Cronk said.
“Attendees can expect at least a few opportunities to do the YMCA on the dance floor,” campaigner Christine Loewe said.
“We hope to attract all individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by the YMCA, from current members to the alumni of YMCA youth programs.”
Loewe, a former teen director for the Y, said the nonprofit organization has “endless potential to positively impact young lives.”
“The Y’s ability to invite young people to try something new, to take a healthy risk and to find meaning along the way is why I came back to volunteer as a board member, coach, and campaigner,” Loewe said.
“The Y’s capacity for community development is what makes the Y so much more than a gym.”
In addition to Y scholarships, campaign funds will support youth programs like After the Bell, healthy lifestyle programs for cancer survivors like Exercise and Thrive, and help to sustain a 7th Grade Initiative that provides a free membership for every seventh-grader in the community.
For information or to donate to the cause, phone Cronk at 360-452-9244 or visit www.clallamcountyymca.org/contribute.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.