Funds raised will support new programs and allow for the expansion of existing programs to additional participants.

L-R: Jeff Brand, West Hartford YMCA Board of Advisors and Annual Campaign Chair; Shawn Fongemie, West Hartford YMCA Executive Director; Kristin Arslan, Marketing Team Leader of Whole Foods Market; Nancy Brecher, West Hartford YMCA Board Chair. Submitted photo

Submitted by YMCA

The West Hartford YMCA is launching its annual campaign on Feb. 10, 2015, to ensure that everyone in our diverse communities has access to vital  programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Whole Foods Market, West Hartford Center has kicked this year’s campaign by naming the West Hartford YMCA its non-profit recipient of their 5% Day last month.

Kristin Arslan, Marketing Team Leader for Whole Foods Market told the YMCA, “Great news! We raised $6,552 on Wednesday for your 5% Day!! We did 9% MORE in sales than the previous year which is VERY, VERY good! Thank you for the publicity you gave this 5% Day.”

Every day, the West Hartford YMCA works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues, such as school readiness, chronic diseases, food insecurity, cancer health support, health and activity options for families and children, and mentoring opportunities.

“Throughout West Hartford, countless people know the ‘Y’. But there’s so much more to our Y than one might think,” said Shawn Fongemie, Executive Director, West Hartford YMCA.  “The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause. As a non-profit, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, teen and adult, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors.”

This year, the West Hartford YMCA hopes to raise $85,000. Funds raised will support new senior programs, youth afterschool programs, and our LIVESTRONG program, as well as expand the reach of our current programs across West Hartford, the Elmwood community and Bloomfield.

West Hartford/Tri-Town YMCA Annual Campaign Social at the Governor’s Residence, from left: Shawn Fongemie, West Hartford YMCA Executive Director; Karen Roche, Co-Founder of The Playground Fitness Center; Dale Richter, President of the West Hartford Old Guard; Jeff Brand, West Hartford YMCA Board of Advisors and Annual Campaign Chair; Jeff Lee, West Hartford YMCA Board of Advisors and Old Guard Member. Submitted photo

Last year, generous gifts from YMCA donors made it possible for The Y’s new summer learning loss camp and afterschool program at St. Brigid School. Two hundred additional children in West Hartford had access to a safe place to learn and to build confidence during their summer break and after school.

The West Hartford YMCA’s Annual Campaign Kick-Off event was hosted by the Governor’s Residence.  Volunteers, donors and local businesses that continually support the mission of the Y were in attendance.

The West Hartford YMCA would like to thank these continual supporters who help make it possible to achieve the Y’s mission, especially to Whole Foods Market, West Hartford Center for getting the Y off to a strong campaign start!

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact Shawn Fongemie, Executive Director at 860-521-5830, email [email protected], or visit westhartfordYMCA.org for more information. The West Hartford YMCA is located at 12 North Main Street, West Hartford CT 06107