Pila'maya'ye: Thank you for your support
We can make this project successful beyond our dreams if all our YMCA Alumni members, chapters and friends step up and contribute.
...as a member of YMCA Alumni -- a retiree from years of service in the YMCA profession -- we believe you will be motivated by this purpose-driven opportunity to serve.
If the housing insecurity and difficulty of providing YMCA programming to the youth and families of this vast service area calls you to take action, you will want to support our YMCA Alumni National Service Project.
Volunteers Jody and John Skelton from the New England YMCA Alumni Chapters said this about their experience in 2022:
"We felt our time was well spent and we highly
recommend other YMCA Alumni members participate. The
YMCA Staff works hand in hand with the Dupree
community and this project will make positive change for years to come. We plan on returning again in 2023. We hope to see you in South Dakota."
A village takes shape thanks to you
Thanks to all of you who have thus far contributed and pledged to our YMCA Alumni National Service Project in partnership with the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires.
New donations and continued honoring of pledges will help assure the necessary cash flow to fund the equipment, materials, supplies and other necessities of the project.
The goal for 2023 is $250,000.
The Star Quilt:
A recognition of generosity ("wawokiye")
Generosity is an important virtue among the Lakota Sioux. The image of a star quilt serves as a reminder of the significance and honor that comes from giving to others.
The star quilt’s tradition of honor grew as quilts were draped around the shoulders of Lakota warriors and hunters when they returned from battle, a successful hunt, or at the start of Haŋblečeya — Vision Quests. It also was presented at funerals to honor loved ones on their final journey.
Today, star quilts are one of the most valued gifts of the Lakota Sioux people.
Donors to the YMCA Alumni National Service Project at the highest level will receive a ceremonial bestowing of the star quilt, while other levels of giving will be recognized within a star quilt theme.
Here's how to donate
It's easy, safe and secure to donate online using your credit card. Just fill out the Credit Card Donor Form below. A secure credit card form will pop up when you add in dollar amounts. Add credit card information. Be sure and hit the "submit" button. You will receive confirmation automatically. All major credit cards are accepted. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the form and click SUBMIT.
Want to pay by check? Just fill out the Pay By Check Donor Form below the credit card form. Then, please mail your check to Cindi Koenig, YMCA Alumni Assistant Treasurer, P.O. Box 725
West Chester, OH 45071. Be sure to note "For National Service Project" on the check's memo line. Scroll to the bottom of the form and click SUBMIT.
YMCA Alumni is a nonprofit, charitable organization. Tax ID# 91-1704431.
Would you like to make a multi-year pledge? Click the button below to email Gary Graham, our fundraising chair.
Frequently Asked Questions/Giving
Who is responsible for fundraising?
The Fundraising Sub-committee has developed a campaign plan. Chapter reps will identify leadership and members willing to raise funds. There are also small groups focused on YMCAs, YMCA affiliated groups and foundations.
When does the campaign begin?
The window for fundraising this year runs from January 1 through March 31, 2023. Year-end RMDs are an exception.
What is the Phase Two goal?
$250,000 is needed during the second year of the project (Phase 2). Future phases and fundraising goals will be developed following an assessment of the progress made in 2023. Please review the Wrap: Year One report on the front page of this website.
Where can I track funding progress?
The CONNECTION and chapter newsletters will update our fundraising progress nationally and at chapter levels. A progress "gauge" is updated on this page monthly.
Are multi-year pledges OK?
Yes, and they are welcomed. Example: A $1,500 pledge is paid at $500 per year. Pledged funds help us plan our cash flow needs as all funds must be collected prior to the start of each phase.
Can non-members donate?
Yes. Anyone interested in supporting the project is encouraged to contribute.
Foundation and corporate giving?
Foundations and corporations that may be interested in contributing to the National Service Project are currently being researched and will be cleared by the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires prior to submitting a request. Our first year was a resounding success. Non-YMCA Alumni gifts are encouraged in 2023.
How much goes to construction?
A substantial amount of the work will be performed by volunteers so that 95 percent of all donations goes directly to construction with a very small amount going for administration and non-building materials.
How can I contribute?
The easiest way is to simply fill out the donation form on this page. Be sure to click "submit." Your information is safe. You may also mail a check to Cindi Koenig, YMCA Alumni Assistant Treasurer, PO Box 725, West Chester, OH 45071. Make your check out to YMCA Alumni and be sure to designate it is a contribution to the National Service Project.
What are YMCA Alumni priorities for giving?
We understand our members financially support many excellent causes, including our local YMCAs and, for some of our members, the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires Annual Campaign. We respect that the decision to support the National Service Project is a personal one. If you believe that the National Service Project will have a substantial impact on the YMCA and the communities it serves, we hope that you will consider a life-changing gift and/or pledge.
But, I already support the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires...
Most of the YMCA operating funds are dependent on annual contributions. As is the case with other capital campaigns, funds contributed to the National Service Project should be in addition to your annual contribution.