OTTAWA — The Putnam County YMCA is in the midst of its annual fundraising campaign, and when it comes to its monetary goals this year, this organization is going for broke.
“Our goal this year is $92,500,” YMCA executive director Lori Fetherolf said. “Last year we raised just over $85,000.”
This represents a very lofty goal for a YMCA in a smaller, rural area such as Putnam County, a goal that has not gone unnoticed.
“It’s a lofty increase, but we think we can get there,” Fetherolf said. “For our size community to raise $85,000 is huge. We’ve even had the national YMCA tell us that it’s a big number for the size of our county. It shows how much people support the Y around here, which is wonderful.”
The money generated from the fundraiser helps the Y offer assistance for individuals and families who wish to obtain a membership or participate in activities but are without the means to do so.
“This is for us to be able to serve the whole community and those who are financially unable to participate in the YMCA,” Fetherolf said. “Without this, we would not be able to provide this service. Every year, we typically give out more than we raise, but that’s just our mission. Last year, we had about 450 people to whom we offered sponsorships.”
With the fundraiser set to wind down the beginning of May, the YMCA has already secured nearly 60 percent of its total goal. Coupled with that is an anonymous, $20,000 matching donation that would give a $50 match for any first-time donor giving at least $50.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by calling the Putnam County YMCA at 419-523-5233, by going to http://putnamymca.org or by donating in person at 101 Putnam Parkway.
