YMCA kicks off annual fundraising drive

BY ASHLYN BUTLER

PCC Iowa State Intern

FORT MADISON - The Fort Madison YMCA is kicking off their annual campaign to help the organization offer assistance to those who may need help in accessing the fitness center.

YMCA Director Ryan Wilson has worked for the YMCA for the past ten years, the last six as Director, and heads the campaign.

“It’s a campaign we run every year to allow us to subsidize free and reduced memberships for people who apply and qualify," he said. “Being in Lee County, we are one of the poorest counties in Iowa. Because of this, our requests have gone up a little bit over the years.”

The goal of the campaign is to help those who may not be able to financially afford a full-priced membership.

Wilson says the help from individuals, families, and local businesses is what has helped them reach their goal in the past.

This year, the goal is to raise $30,000 and anyone is able to donate.

A donation worth $500 or more will receive a banner with the family or business name on it and will be hung up in the YMCA. “We subsidize anywhere between $42,000-$45,000 a year in financial assistance," he said.

Wilson said the United Way of the Great River Region also makes a $10,000 donation every year.

The current monthly membership rates are:

$37.75—Individual Membership

$52.00—Family Membership

“With our membership you can access the pool, our wellness center, the weight room, gymnasium, locker room, and sauna.”

Wilson says all aerobics classes are also covered by the membership fee.

If anyone is interested in making a donation or learning more about the campaign, they can contact Wilson at the Fort Madison Family YMCA at 319-372-2043.