YMCA Event Raises Funds to Send 84 Children to Summer Camp

More than 80 people participated in a recent event at all four area YMCA branches, raising enough money to send 84 kids to YMCA camp this summer. 

Participants received pledges from family and friends and volunteered to work out on equipment in the front of the facilities in 30-minute increments. The participants raised a total $11,000 for the ‘Send a Kid to Camp’ fundraiser.

“It was huge turnout and a lot of fun,” said Cindy Lupton, member engage director at the State College branch. “We had people stopping all day adding money to the pot and asking if they could still participate. It was just an amazing day for everyone.”

The State College, Bellefonte, Penns Valley and Moshannon Valley branches all had staff, Y members, board members, teens and kids participate, said Lupton. “One participant enjoyed it so much, he asked if he could come back and do another round later.”

Lupton said she was amazed at the response to the event from people who were in the facility to work out.

“All day long, people kept coming up to ask, ‘How many kids have we sent to camp now?’ And I think that is the important part — this is a community that wants to do good and help and include everyone.”

Summer camp can be expensive, running $161 a week at the YMCA. But for some families it is a necessity while the kids are out of school and parents are at work, said Lupton. The YMCA camps provide a safe and fun place for kids to grow all summer long.

“Every kids should get to participate in summer camp. We go on trips, play games and make friends through team-building activities. So it is awesome that so many people came together to make it happen for some kids who need it,” Lupton said.

Anyone who still wishes to make a donation can do so at the front desk of any branch of the YMCA of Centre County.