Mexico YMCA kicks off annual fund drive

By Dennis Sharkey, Editor
Posted 5/31/23

The Mexico YMCA has kicked off its annual support fund drive to raise $75,000 that will help with scholarships for people who need financial assistance.

The scholarships help those who need …

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Mexico YMCA kicks off annual fund drive

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The Mexico YMCA has kicked off its annual support fund drive to raise $75,000 that will help with scholarships for people who need financial assistance.

The scholarships help those who need financial assistance pay their monthly membership fees. Brooke Oliver, director of the Mexico YMCA (the Y), told the Ledger the scholarships not only help those who need it but also help the Y fulfill its mission statement.

“We know the important role the Y plays in the everyday lives of Audrain County citizens,” Oliver said. “It is within our mission to ensure the Y is welcoming and accessible for everyone.”

The goal for the Y can sound lofty to some but Oliver said each year every bit of the scholarship money gets used up and the demand is growing. Last year the Y provided about $68,000 in scholarships.

“Each year the request for scholarship assistance is higher than our best fundraising efforts,” Oliver said. “So until the need is completely met in Mexico, we will continue to work hard to fundraise annually.”

The Y has released an impact study for 2022 that shows the organization had more than 4,500 members and served more than 800 families with services like rock wall climbing, golf simulation, open indoor swim, indoor pickleball courts, batting cages, basketball courts, indoor walking track, a full work out gym and many more. The Y also just opened a new state-of-the-art playground that was an investment of more than $225,000.

The Y is also a hot spot for the community’s seniors. In 2022 more than 1,900 classes were offered with more than 13,000 community members attending. Oliver said one of the more popular programs for seniors is the aerobic exercise classes in the pool. On some days dozens of Mexico seniors can be found at the Y taking advantage of the class.

The Y also has programs for working and active adults including classes like yoga and pilates are free and included with a membership. Oliver said it’s hard to find any reason why the Y wouldn’t be a good fit for anyone.

“I would have a hard time meeting anyone who doesn’t have a Y story in some way,” Oliver said. “Whether you need physical therapy, childcare, or just a group of friends to socialize with, I promise I can find a connection for you to love the Y.”

Oliver said even if you cannot find a fit at the Y there is probably a family member, co-worker, or neighbor that can, and the almost 5,000 people who use the Y each year are plenty of reasons to support.

For more information about supporting the Y email Oliver at brook.oliver@mexicoymca.org


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