Why fund the Greenpoint Y? Because the organization, which provides the North Brooklyn community with services ranging from fitness programs to daycare and everything in between, wants to continue offering discounted and free memberships to low-income residents, and this takes money.

To get this money, the staff of the Greenpoint YMCA launched their annual fundraiser, the Strong Kids Campaign.

“Our annual fundraiser helps us to provide low and no-cost programs for families in financial need,” said Communications and Fund Development Director Rene Bouchard. The Greenpoint YMCA fundraises throughout the year, but their Strong Kids Campaign, which is their concentrated fundraising effort, will run until May.

To kick-start the campaign, the YMCA’s gym was converted into a banquet hall, and the organization’s staff, leadership, and key volunteers were invited to a dinner to celebrate the good that the YMCA has done for the Brooklyn community, and spread the word about the fundraiser.

“We can’t possibly express how important the Y is to us, and it’s even more amazing that funds are available for people who can’t afford the whole cost of their programs,” said Christy Soubiran.

The goal of the Strong Kids Campaign is to raise $145,000 through corporate and private donations. The funding will give low-income families more opportunities to participate in the fun and often essential programs run through the YMCA. In 2008, more than 80 percent of the children enrolled in a Greenpoint YMCA program received financial assistance. In 2008, the Greenpoint YMCA exceeded their expectations and raised almost $150,000.

“The cornerstone of our operation is the Strong Kids Campaign,” said president and CEO of YMCA of Greater New York, Jack Lund. “Anyone that wants to participate in a YMCA program is invited. We don’t want to have to turn anybody away.”

Citywide, YMCA of Greater New York hopes to raise $5.5 million. The kickoff to the fundraising campaign was not only an effective means to announce the drive, but a celebration of the impact that the Greenpoint YMCA has made on the community.

“The Greenpoint YMCA has one of the best staffs in New York City,” praised Lund.

Serving as an example of their exciting programs, a group of grade-school students performed a recently learned swing dance at the conclusion of the night’s events. The kids, decked out in 30s-era clothes, not only entertained the guests at the Strong Kids Campaign kick-off, but were the proof that the YMCA’s programs are important to the neighborhood.