WATSONVILLE — Spirits were high throughout the sprawling YMCA building on Sudden Street Tuesday evening as a lively crowd prepared for their annual fundraiser kickoff.
Robert Wollenzien, director of the YMCA in Watsonville, said the campaign last year brought in $115,000 that went to people in need. Funds raised also go into fixing up the Y and keeping their athletic equipment, swimming pool and other features of the popular spot up to date.
“This is about our community taking care of each other,” Wollenzien said. “It is all volunteer and every day we have people coming in to help.”
He added that next month an additional $60-$70,000 will go in to further upgrades.
While plenty of balloons filled the main lobby of the Y, along with treats and such for the campaign training of volunteers and staff Tuesday, Feb. 21 was the actual kickoff.
Every dollar raised at the event, Wollenzien said, goes into helping youths develop their sports skills, giving support to academic activities like homework, or sending them to summer camp, among other things. For example, $125 can help two youths learn about water safety, improve self confidence and develop life-saving water skills; or $1,200 gives six kids the opportunity to create, explore, imagine and engage for a week at summer camp.
For information or to donate, visit tinyurl.com/yyjundwb.
