Happy 175th Birthday to the YMCA! Here's 3 Ways You Can Celebrate with Us!
On June 6, 2019 Ys around the world are celebrating the founding of the YMCA and our shared legacy of bringing people together to strengthen communities.
The first YMCA was founded in London in 1844 by young people who were determined to address the social challenges impacting their community. Today, as one of the largest nonprofits in the world serving 58 million people in 119 countries, the Y continues to bring people from all walks of life together to create a better community, and a better world, for all.
Fun fact: this year, the Summit Area YMCA is 133 years old!
Here are three ways you can join the YMCA’s 175th birthday celebration:
1) Volunteer 175 minutes of your time
On Saturday, June 8, more than 100 Ys across the U.S. will join Ys worldwide to celebrate our milestone birthday by offering opportunities for people to volunteer 175 minutes of their time in service to their communities. If you’re planning to volunteer, visit the front desk of the Y or visit www.thesay.org/volunteer for great volunteer opportunities!
2) Donate to your Y
At the Y, we stay true to our purpose every day by helping kids, adults, seniors and families to thrive with programs that teach, connect, heal, nourish and encourage. But we can’t do it alone. Donate to your local Y and help to strengthen our community.
3) Share what the Y means to you on social media
Share your thoughts and reflections about the YMCA’s 175th birthday on social media using #YMCA175.
Not sure what to say? Here are some prompts you can respond to:
- How has the Y positively impacted you, your family, and/or your community?
- How does the Y help you create positive change in your community?
- How do you feel about the Y turning 175 years old?
- What are your hopes for the future of your community and how can the Y help to make them come true?
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About the Summit Area YMCA
The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Founded in 1886, the Summit Area YMCA has a history steeped in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income and background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Each year, we serve more than 10,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those with demonstrated need.