Metro YMCA of the Oranges Kicks Off 2024 Annual Campaign to Ensure Access for All

By: AS | Wednesday, January 31, 2024 | News

Lights, Camera, Action Campaign Theme

LIVINGSTON, NJ – The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is launching its annual fundraising campaign and inviting members and the community to join the ACTION at our mission-focused events packed with fun activities. The Y’s Annual Support Campaign makes it possible for all children and adults in the community to access vital programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Kick-off celebrations will be held at Metro Y branches on the following dates:

• Fairview Lake YMCA Camps: Sunday, Feb. 4, 1-4 p.m.
• Sussex County YMCA: Monday, Feb. 5, 6-7:30 p.m.
• East Orange YMCA: Monday, Feb. 5, 7-8:30 p.m. at Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing Arts
• Wayne YMCA: Tuesday, Feb. 6, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• West Essex YMCA: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6-8 p.m. at 290 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Livingston (Eisenhower Conference Center)
• Greater Bergen County YMCA - New Milford Center: Friday, Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m.
• South Mountain YMCA: Saturday, Feb. 10, 6:30-8 p.m. at 111 Irvington Ave., South Orange (First Presbyterian and Trinity Church)

To meet the growing number of requests for financial assistance in 2024, the Y hopes to raise a total of $2.2 million through its “Lights, Camera, Action” campaign so more families can participate in programs like Y child care and summer camp, regardless of their ability to pay. 

Since its founding, the Y has worked to respond to the needs of the community it serves.

“Throughout our communities, countless people know and depend on the Y, but we’re so much more than many people realize,” said Richard K. Gorab, President and CEO of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges. “In addition to being the place children learn to swim or adults go for their daily workout, we’re also constantly responding to the needs of our community. We’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors—all to create a better us.”

This past year, charitable gifts from YMCA donors made it possible for the Metro YMCA of the Oranges to award more than $2 million in direct financial assistance in 2023. These awards enabled the Y to:

• Give 1,000 kids an amazing summer camp experience
• Change 618 lives by teaching kids how to swim
• Provide assistance to 521 families in need for childcare and after school care
• Provide 929 memberships to help individuals and families lead a healthy lifestyle
• Help 320 kids enroll in youth sports programs

For more information about the Y’s work and to donate, visit givebutter.com/metrogive.

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ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.