Thank you for taking a moment to visit my YMCA fundraising page!

I have been a member of the South City YMCA Board for several years now. Like most charitable organizations, the role of our board is to provide programming oversight, advocacy AND raise money. I do a lot of fundraising throughout the year mainly in association with my cycling team United by Design (UbD). Traditionally UbD drives support for the MS Society, Lupus Foundation, Operation Food Search, and – since the loss of Troy to brain cancer – Pedal the Cause which funds various cancer research efforts. When I first joined the Y Board, I was concerned that my network of contacts would be fatigued by yet another charitable outreach. It turns out that many UbD members, especially those who are triathletes, belong to the YMCA. As you can see from the photo above a banner proclaiming “United by Design, Cyclists Supporting Charities” proudly flies in the South City YMCA atrium.

First and foremost, I would like for you to consider joining your local YMCA. I just can’t stress what a supportive, fulfilling, and empowering environment the YMCA provides. Take a minute (40 seconds to be precise) to watch this YouTube clip and see how my (very affordable) YMCA trainer helped me reach a personal leg press goal. https://youtu.be/W2oq67Lj2_E

Second of all, please consider making a monetary donation on this site. I have primed the pump with a $500.00 initial donation and will match dollar for dollar all new donations up to $1,000.00 total. Do not be turned off by those zeros. Even $5.00 shows interest and support.

You may think of the YMCA as just a series of gyms, but it is truly a charitable organization that a has a tremendous impact on community stability and youth development throughout the St Louis Gateway region (well, the world really but let’s focus locally). Youth sport / swim camps, safe space before and after school availability, Silver Sneaker senior programs, youth job opportunities AND youth job skills training, community gardens, literacy efforts,,,,,,,,,,,,,,! The reason we fundraise in addition to having monthly membership dues is to fuel all these additional efforts that make the YMCA so much more than just a “gym and swim”.

Thank you for your support!

Benjamin