Nick Litwiller
The YMCA and My Fight for a Stronger Community
Fundraising for YMCA - Valley of the Sun
Story
I’m asking you to join me in a cause near and dear to my heart and will personally match $1 for every $1 raised until we hit our $1,500 goal - take my money!
Where it started: In 2018, I embarked on a hands on, grassroots journey to find a way to come together and fight back against the ever-growing negativity, division and discord troubling our world. I didn't know exactly how I was going to do it, but I knew one thing...no more relying on screens and politicians to shape our understanding of community...it was time start building it back...with one person at a time!
I firmly believed then, and still do, that real change starts LOCAL - at ground-zero within our neighborhoods, with real people, by building real relationships. If we have happy and healthy communities, we have happier and healthier cities, states, and countries...not the other way around!
After a broad search, I chose the YMCA. Few organizations have such breadth and depth to build a lasting foundation on which communities can lean. The Y bolsters positive values so children and families embrace:
- A strong connection to their community
- An appreciation for their neighbors, and
- A foundation for living a healthy life (physically, mentally, and emotionally).
It has proven so effective, I doubled down on supporting the YMCA for four years running and now serve as the Scottsdale-Paradise Valley Branch Board Chair and was appointed to the Valley of the Sun YMCA Association Board of Directors in September 2021.
The Y is so impactful, in fact, that we were awarded the Top Non-Profit by the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce several months ago. We had formidable competition – the Phoenix Zoo and Scottsdale Leadership.
Why the Y?
- 100% of every penny raised goes directly into the community to which it was donated.
- It will NEVER turn away a family in need of financial assistance for high quality preschool and daycare, even if they’re broke.
- It saves lives: Our branch gave (400) free swim & safety lessons for children in 2021 alone.
- They don’t pay execs a fat salary or throw self-indulgent parties.
I appreciate you reading my story and taking an interest in such an important cause. The Y couldn't exist without donors like you.
- $150 teaches a child lifesaving water-safety skills.
- $250 enrolls a student in Youth & Government to learn civic responsibility and leadership skills.
- $500 sponsors four children to build character, confidence, and friendship through team sports
- $1,000 provides a 1-year membership for an entire family in need
Thank you for your consideration and joining me to fight for our communities.
- Nick
TL;DR...The Y is amazing, saves lives, and supports those in our communities that need it the most. Donate what you can, every $1 counts. The kicker? I'll match it...take my money!
