Northshore YMCA staff and volunteers announced that they have raised $136,354 toward their goal of $339,500 for the 2011 Partners With Youth Annual Campaign. These funds provide local children and families access to health-enhancing, confidence-building Y programs.

The generosity of Partners With Youth donors helps the Y to bridge the gap to better health, well-being and educational opportunities for thousands of struggling families throughout King and south Snohomish counties. This year, Washington state budget cuts will negatively impact or eliminate many health and education programs and services. This year more than ever, communities need the Y — and the Y needs the support of communities.

“The Y works to ensure that all kids are able to achieve their best, especially academically, and that all people can pursue health and well-being regardless of financial circumstances,” said Andrew Minear, vice president of development for the YMCA of Greater Seattle. “There’s no question — 2011 will be a year of unprecedented local need.”

The Y encourages everyone to give a gift of any size or to volunteer with the Partners With Youth Annual Campaign. Each and every community member’s gift makes a lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors. Examples include helping kids learn responsibility and teamwork, teaching teens and young adults leadership and career-building skills and supporting single parents with child care.

The Y stewards its contributions very effectively, directing 95 cents of every dollar raised into its programs and services. The Partners With Youth Annual Campaign will run through March and the goal for the YMCA of Greater Seattle is $4.75 million.

For more information, contact Laurie Gerrard, associate executive director at the Northshore YMCA, at (425) 485-9797 or lgerrard@seattleymca.org.

Northshore YMCA staff