Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jesse Cudzillo, left, director of GLOW YMCA, and board president Dean Bellack are promoting the annual fund drive to raise money for scholarships to help those with financial strains pay for memberships.
MEDINA – GLOW YMCA has embarked on its annual campaign to raise funds for scholarships to help those with financial strains afford a membership.
The Strong Communities Campaign is undertaken by all YMCAs in the United States.
“One thing most people don’t realize is YMCA is a 501c3 charity whose mission is Christian based,” Bellack said. “Each year our goal is to raise nearly $30,000 to help families in need. This year we are hoping to raise $29,500.”
The campaign began Jan. 1 and will run through May 31.
Donations can be made by picking up a flyer at the YMCA with a link on which to click, or by dropping a check off at the front desk.
“Y” director Jesse Cudzillo echoed Bellack’s words about the importance of supporting the YMCA.
Amber Regling of Albion works out on an elliptical machine at the YMCA in Medina, where she was able to become a member with aid from a scholarship.
“This is a charity, and our policy is we will never turn anyone away for their inability to pay,” he said. “I fear many people don’t know about our scholarships.”
Even a small gift can make a significant impact on someone else’s life, he said.
Contributions directly support free or reduced-cost programs, scholarships for memberships and vital community services which make Orleans County a better place for everyone, according to Cudzillo.
One local resident who was able to join the Y in September with help from a scholarship was Amber Regling of Albion, a single mom of three kids, all of whom have high needs.
“A girlfriend who is a member here invited me as a guest one day,” Regling said. “I used to go to the gym a lot in college and I loved it. With three special needs children, I haven’t been able to think about exercising, but now that the children are all in school, I finally had some free time for myself.”
She had recently suffered a breakup in a relationship, so she was looking for a diversion.
“I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to afford a membership,” Regling said. “I knew scholarships were available and I applied for one and got it. Now I find enough time to be an hour and a half every couple of days.”
She said she sets goals for herself, but tries to keep them low enough to be able to achieve them. She likes the elliptical machines, treadmills and the yoga and pilates sessions upstairs.
“The Y has a special place in my heart, as I attended Head Start here as a child,” she said. “I have a lot of anxiety and found of all the things I’ve done, nothing helps like exercise. I’ve come in here 100% not OK and walked out 100% OK.”
Cudzillo said when determining eligibility for scholarships, they use the same guidelines as the school. A family of five making less than $50,000 is eligible for a 50% discount on membership and all programs.
Bellack added their goal is that every dollar raised goes to the community to help members use all the programs the YMCA offers.
GLOW YMCA has 695 member units, representing 1,541 individuals, Cudzillo said.
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