
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 9, 1995                   TAG: 9506090081
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

FUND EXPANDS ACCESS TO Y'S YOUTH PROGRAMS

The YMCA of Roanoke Valley announced Thursday that it raised $78,579 in its first formal fund-raising campaign, surpassing its goal by more than $3,000.

Two months ago, the YMCA launched the campaign - dubbed "Winners for Life" - to raise $75,000 to bring more children and teens into Y youth programs by helping families who could not afford program fees.

The programs serve more than 2,000 young people in the Roanoke Valley, half the number that could be served, YMCA administrators estimated.

"This campaign marks the beginning, not the end, of an annual effort to make a difference for our youth and families who have experienced profound changes in our society, causing voids which the YMCA can help to fill," J. Spencer Frantz, campaign chairman, said at a victory celebration Thursday.

"Clearly, the success of this effort is another example of our community taking responsibility to enhance our children's lives. For this, we are grateful."

Nearly 400 donors contributed to the campaign.

The YMCA's youth programs include the Drop-In program, an after-school enrichment effort that serves 100 boys and girls who live in Roanoke's public housing communities; the Magic Place School-Age Child Care program, licensed before- and after-school child care operating in 13 elementary schools in Roanoke and Salem; and the Youth Sports program, designed to build self-esteem through participation in sports.

Youth programs also include Magic Place summer day camps, swimming lessons and youth memberships.

Cal Johnson, YMCA executive director, said money raised will ensure that youth programs continue, giving all young people the opportunity to participate.

Financial assistance applications for the Magic Place summer camp, for example, already exceed the number submitted in previous years, Johnson said. Campaign contributions will help meet the increased demand.

The campaign "will be an annual effort, probably sometime after February or March of each year," Johnson said. "The need will continue. We know the need is there."

by CNB