The YMCA of Rock River Valley has launched Double Your Impact Week, a fundraising effort to raise $50,000. A generous donor is matching all gifts up to $50,000 for a total of $100,000 to invest into our community.
The Y feels a sense of urgency to help reverse some alarming statistics in our community. Winnebago County saw a 100% increase in youth crimes from 2019 to 2020. The graduation rate for Rockford Public Schools is 67% compared to the state average of 88%. According to the American Psychological Association, 42% of Americans reported gaining weight during the pandemic (29 pounds on average). Additionally, 47% of Americans report their mental health has worsened. And, there has been an 8% increase in childhood obesity from 37% to 45%.
“We have seen and felt the need in our community, but these statistics really show us the depth of that need,” said Michelle Gorham, Chief Advancement Officer, YMCA of Rock River Valley, “The Y has created various programs to serve our community, but we know finances are a barrier for many people. Donations help us remove those barriers and expand our reach to those who need it most.”
Every October, the Y hosts a Community Breakfast event to share the impact of Y programs and raise funds for the annual campaign. Due to the pandemic, the Y is not hosting this event. Double Your Impact Week will take place online October 25 to 29. The Y will share impact stories daily on Facebook Live. A
giving page with a thermometer to track our status has been set-up with additional stories of impact.
“We invite you to take a few moments to watch a video, see the impact the Y has on so many people, and consider making a gift,” said Gorham. “We are blessed to start the week already halfway to our $50,000 goal. We couldn’t do this without our partners.”
Thank you to the following Double Your Impact Week Sponsors:
UW Health
Kathleen Kelly and Arnold Rosen
Field Fastener
Stenstrom Foundation
Dickerson & Nieman Realtors
Stillman Bank
Midland States Bank
OrthoIllinois
Rick and Lana Engen
Illinois Bank and Trust
Specialty Screw Corporation
Aqua-Aerobic
Rockford University
Sikich LLP
Trotter Manufacturing
Raynor Door Authority of Rockford
WilliamsMcCarthy LLP
Oak Street Health
Entre Computer Solutions
David R Schroepfer
Rosecrance
Matrix Fitness
Eric and Andrea Fulcomer
Tuneberg Asset Management
David and Jennifer Gomel
ARC
Life Fitness
If you’re interested in making a donation to Double Your Impact Week, simply text RockRiverY to 44-321. You will receive a text message with a link to our giving page. You can also
click here or call the Mission Advancement office at 779-500-0810.