Thanks to the generosity of the community and the hard work of volunteers and staff, the Merrimack Valley YMCA raised $570,000 last year – the biggest Annual Campaign total in the history of the organization. As a non-profit organization, the Y raises funds to provide programs and services focused on healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. Funds raised this year went to provide scholarships for individuals and families in need, as well as a variety of programs aimed at helping the community through the COVID-19 pandemic, such as programs that fight food insecurity and close the achievement gap.
Mission Moment:
Learn more from volunteers on why they give to the Y.
Merrimack Valley YMCA food programs have distributed nearly 50,000 meals, 4,400 bags of groceries through the Lawrence Y food pantry and served more than 300 families through Mobile Food Markets at the Methuen YMCA. Hundreds of children have been served through achievement gap and remote learning programs the Y has offered since the pandemic began.
Staff, volunteers and supporters of the Y gathered for a virtual event at the end of October to celebrate this fundraising milestone and honor the outstanding volunteers who made it happen.
Mission Moment:
Watch our video about Childcare, Remote Learning and Camp
The Outstanding Creativity and Innovation Award was presented to the Front Steps Project. Photographers Kendra and Jen Bauer organized a group of volunteer photographers to take pictures of families around North Andover, raising $7,000 for Y food insecurity programs. It was a genius way to create social connection during a time when isolation was real, while raising money for the YMCA and Neighbors in Need.
Outstanding Business of the Year was presented to Watts Water Technologies. Tim MacPhee accepted the award on behalf of Watts, which has been a supporter of the Merrimack Valley YMCA for more than 10 years. The North Andover-based company has been a major source of support for the Y’s annual campaign and special events and a source of volunteers as well.
The Y’s Outstanding Unsung Hero of the Year was Debbie Schmidt. This tireless volunteer has worked behind the scenes – participating in the Philanthropy and Auction committees, as well as neighborhood food drives and virtual events for the Y.
Groundworks Lawrence was named Outstanding Partner of the Year for using grant money to provide hot meals from local restaurants to the community through the Lawrence Y Food Pantry. This was a great example of how organizations can come together to serve the community. Executive Director Heather McMann accepted the award on behalf of Groundworks Lawrence.
The award for Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year went to Merrimack Valley YMCA Board of Directors member John Fouhy, who was praised for his strong leadership, dedication, and motivation in helping the Y meet its fundraising goal.
Mission Moment:
Watch our video about the Lawrence YMCA SRO and Food Insecurity Program
Special guests at the event included State Representatives Christina Minnicucci and Tram Nguyen, who thanked the volunteers who worked on the Annual Campaign and Special Events committees.
Annual Campaign:
Henry Calderon, Andover/North Andover YMCA Branch Board of Managers
Zora Warren, Camp Branch Board of Managers
Pastor Bill Ingraham, Methuen Branch Board of Managers
John Fouhy, Chair of the Philanthropy Committee and Corporate Board of Directors
Special Events:
Felix Garcia, Lawrence YMCA Board of Managers, Adelante Scholarship Raffle Chair
Anthony Karamourtopolous, Lawrence YMCA Board of Managers, Golf Committee Chair
Donna Aldrich, Corporate Board of Directors, Auction Committee Chair
Congratulations to everyone who helped make this a successful year for the Merrimack Valley YMCA!
