Waynesboro YMCA kicks off year-end fundraising drive

By Bob Stuart

Published: November 8, 2008

The stories were numerous Saturday about the good works of the Waynesboro YMCA.

Waynesboro resident Mary Martin said her daily workouts at the facility have helped her deal with stress and said the facility has been a haven for her son, who has had numerous surgeries.

The testimonies came at a kickoff for a year-end fundraising drive for the Y at the Waynesboro home of Dale and John Johnston.

YMCA Executive Director Jeff Fife said the Y needs to raise just over $70,000 more to meet a $185,000 goal by the end of the year.

Reo Hatfield, the co-chairman of the drive, asked those attending Saturday’s event “to dig deeper in our pockets. Give more. The more you give, the more you will receive.”

“We will get double the money back,” Hatfield said.

Fife said that while the Y has raised more than $100,000 in pledges and donations since January, the recent economic difficulties have made it harder to raise money.

“It was a lot easier to fundraise in January, February and March than it is now,” he said.

Fife said those wishing to make donations can come by the Y at 648 S. Wayne Ave., or call him at 943-YMCA.