Those that know me, know I like to GO BIG!  But what most of you probably don't know is that I have been on the Rensselaer County YMCA Advisory Board for the past couple of years and I have been helping our local community.  As a tithing Christian family we've supported our community both financially and as a volunteers.  It wasn't until I became a board member of the Greenbush YMCA, however, that I realized that "The Y" is a lot more than just a "gym and a swim", that the physical Greenbush YMCA building is a mere fraction of the organizations outreach in our own community.  

I can tell you the importance of our work has never been more essential than it is now, in our own community, as the pandemic rages on.  We've been helping seniors, children, single parents, families and the poor make ends meet as they get decimated by lay-offs, inflation, seclusion and sickness.  "Remote learning" for many children whose families can't afford computers, internet access, or child care has only exacerbated many difficult situations, making them more like "remotely forgotten".  

I am proud to say though, in the past 2 years, in our backyard the YMCA has donated over 1.3 million pounds of food across the capital region, served 310 teens virtually, helped 50 seniors receive affordable care at our Mont Pleasant Commons senior housing, fed over 900 families in need with a complete Thanksgiving Day Meal, provided child care for over 1600 children, provided 318 children with school supplies and brand new clothes to start the new school year feeling confident.  Last year, we provided $800,000 in total financial assistance to individuals and families in need through membership scholarships...and this is only a quick snapshot of some of our highlights!  

After being a part of this organization, and seeing the impact we are having in our community, its easy for me to stand up for my organization's principles.  While my family and I have been fortunate to remain unscathed by the pandemic, I can tell you that there are many in our own community that haven't.  I'm GOING BIG in a philanthropic way, and ask that you consider GOING BIG and help our community, our neighbors, and our families that haven't been as fortunate.  Please consider making a donation.  

If you are interested in volunteering your time, or your families time, feel free to reach out to me, as we regularly volunteer as a family in fun projects.