Online, viral fundraising effort is the next step in reaching $5 million capital campaign goal
COXSACKIE, NY – In 2004, a group of residents created the Greene County YMCA Board with the goal of raising $5 million to open a YMCA in Greene County. An online Community Campaign is currently underway and has raised $250,000 since it was launched in September. In all, $1.9 million has been raised. The Community Campaign is critical for final fundraising efforts. With the support of the community, the YMCA is expected to open in 2011.
The platform for the campaign is the www.GreeneYMCA-Campaign.org website, which was developed using The Blackbaud Friends Asking Friendsâweb-based fundraising software. Fundraisers get a personalized web page, which makes it easy and fun to email their friends to ask them to donate. Donors can make their online, tax-deductible donations using their credit card or checking account. The website also allows individuals to make monthly donations over a five year period, making it easier for people to donate in this challenging economy. Donors have the option of printing out a pledge form and mailing it, instead, if they wish to donate off-line. This campaign is supported by emails, direct mail, and TV and radio and news coverage. Featured on the homepage is an informational video about the YMCA with testimonials from local residents and a tour of the Bethlehem YMCA. Mid-Hudson Cable generously produced the video.
“The Greene County campaign is the first online fundraising campaign we have launched in the Capital District, “ said Christian Engle, Vice President of Operations for the Capital District YMCA. “We launched the website September 1and people quickly began donating, signing up as fundraisers and becoming fans on our Facebook page.”
“We believe that using an online, viral fundraising approach is the best way for the Greene County YMCA to raise money from the individuals that live in our geographical disperse towns & villages,” said Hugh Quigley, co-chair of the YMCA Capital Campaign. “We launched this campaign with over 60 fundraisers from Coxsackie, Athens, Catskill, New Baltimore, Greenville, Ravena, and Hannacroix as well as a team of Coxsackie-Athens High School Students. These numbers have grown with our official launch.”
“As well as the services provided to Greene County children, families and seniors, the vision of this transformational community project includes a direct linkage to the Columbia-Greene Community College at Questar III, providing a critical workforce development component and connection to local businesses,” said Fred Hinrichsen, President of the Greene County YMCA Board.
About the Greene County YMCA
An interim YMCA facility is now open at 370 Mansion Street in Coxsackie. The facility offers spinning and exercise classes and toddler and youth programming. The YMCA also offers after-school childcare programs at local schools. The new YMCA facility will be located in the Greene Business and Technology Park in West Coxsackie. The 18- acre location, a gift from the Greene County IDA, offers utility infrastructure and has high-traffic and visibility. The YMCA will offer affordable membership fees, $20-$80/month, depending on program and family size.
The 31,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will include an Indoor Swimming Pool, Multi-Use Gymnasium, Babysitting Room, Multi-Use Community Rooms, Wellness Center and offer programs including, child care and summer day camps, after-school activities, tutoring, teen and family events, and active older adult programs. For more information: website www.GreeneYMCA-campaign.org, Facebook under Greene County YMCA Campaign, Twitter under GreeneYcampaign.
About the Capital District YMCA
The Capital District YMCA is a membership organization, and as such serves more than 38,000 members including 14,000 family members. An additional 30,000 area residents enjoy various YMCA activities through program services. To maintain quality programs and services for YMCA members, the Capital District YMCA employs more than 1,200 full and part time staff.