Did you know that the Northern Neck Family YMCA has over 4000 members and that we now serve more people in our community than the Lancaster County school system?  And did you know that one person out of every four who comes through our doors and participates in our membership and programs receives some kind of financial assistance?  Because of the Guardian Program, no one is turned away, regardless of their ability to pay - that is a promise we fulfill every day at the Northern Neck Family YMCA.  Since our inception in 1993, the Northern Neck Family YMCA has provided over $1,000,000 in both scholarships and outreach programming, making our small branch a NATIONAL LEADER in Guardian assistance.
 
How are we able to help so many children and families in need?  Through the generosity of our members, volunteers and donors who believe in our mission and support our commitment to giving all people a chance to succeed.  How can YOU help?  Purchase a raffle ticket, attend the Festival of the Trees, the Ball in the Halls, a Coffee House or another fundraising event.  Volunteer for one of these events or coach a soccer team.  The opportunities are limitless, just like the opportunities your generosity provides to a little boy who might otherwise be home alone while his parents worked, or to a single mother who couldn't possibly afford to send her daughter to summer camp, or to an older adult on a fixed income who might not have made all those new friends or developed that healthier lifestyle. 

Win One of Three Fabulous Vacations!

Would you like to take a chance on a fabulous vacation AND help disadvantaged children in our area?  The winner of the YMCA's vacation drawing will have a choice of three amazing vacation packages:

• Hawaii!  4 nights at the Westin Maui or Westin Waikiki for two, including airfare.
  
• Cruise!  Cruise for two to Alaska or the Caribbean for a week on Carnival ships, including airfare.
  
• Orlando!  Take the kids or grandkids to Orlando to the Nickelodeon Family Suites for 4 nights, including breakfast and airfare for four.

The tickets are only $20!  How about cruising to Alaska for $20? 

Whether your ticket is chosen or not, you will be a winner in supporting children and families who need assistance in our community to participate in Y activities.  ALL the profit from the drawing will go to the Northern Neck Y's Guardian Program.
 
Please give yourself a chance to win a great trip, and give local children and families a chance of a better life!  Now more than ever in these economically difficult times, we need your help.  The drawing will be held at the Festival of the Trees on December 6, 2009.  Winners will have a year to redeem their trip.  Must be 21 or over.
 
For more information, e-mail Susan Johnson at sjohnson@peninsulaymca.org.

Northern Neck Family YMCA's America on the Move

On Thursday September 24 Vera Lee, Program Director of Health and Well Being led 8 members on a one hour walk through Hills Quarter.  Mrs. Lee came up with the idea of the walk as way to promote physical activity and better health through the YMCA's America on the Move week.  The weather was a bit warm but she was prepared with plenty of water and Gatorade.  A thank you goes out to Hills Quarter for allowing the women a safe, low traffic area to complete their walk while enjoying the pretty scenery. 

Coffeehouse    

A YMCA Coffeehouse is planned for Friday, November 13, 7:00-10:30 pm at the Lancaster Playhouse in White Stone.
 
Join us for a relaxed evening of live music performed by talented local artists!  Hosted by the always hilarious Dave Bresett and featuring Colleen Burke, Mary and the Janes, The Northern Neck Shanty Singers, Skip Ackerly, Jim Wright, and Roger Himler.  Pictured above is Colleen Burke.