Rumson Man Who Lost 100 Pounds Swimming At The Y Makes $10,000 Donation Pledge

SHREWSBURY, NJ (February 17, 2026) – For David Wickersham, the YMCA of the Jersey Shore has been far more than a place to work out — it has been a steady and positive presence in his life and a path to better health. A Rumson resident and dedicated YMCA family member, David committed to improving his health one day at a time, ultimately losing almost 100 pounds by showing up daily to swim at the Red Bank Family YMCA.

The Y has been woven into his family’s story for the past 10 years. His children have attended sleep-away camp at YMCA Camp Seafarer and YMCA Camp Seagull each summer in Arapahoe, North Carolina, where they’ve built confidence, independence and lifelong friendships. Building on years of camp experiences, his daughter was accepted into the camp’s leadership training program this summer, something the family is incredibly proud of.

Grateful for the impact the Y has had on both his own life and his children’s growth, Wickersham felt compelled to give back in a meaningful way. He has pledged a matching donation of up to $10,000 for the upcoming national YMCA Day of Giving set for Tuesday, March 3.

This one-day celebration of generosity, connection and collective impact is the highlight of the Y’s larger Annual Campaign which provides financial assistance to make sure every individual, regardless of age, income or background, has access to the Y’s life-changing programs.

“The Y is one of the few places in our community where individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds come together with a shared goal of improving their health and supporting one another,” said Wickersham. “Supporting the Y’s Day of Giving feels personal to me and my family. I’ve seen firsthand what this organization can mean to a family. When we give to the Y, we’re helping create opportunities that not just strengthen us as individuals, but also our entire community.”

A Community with a Common Cause
The Y is more than just a place to swim or work out. Programs like LIVESTRONG cancer support, veteran’s wellness, mental and behavioral health support, summer camp and after school programs create connections and enrich the lives of individuals across all generations.

“The Day of Giving and Annual Campaign aren’t just about raising funds,” said the Y’s Chief Development Officer Pam Hearn. “It’s about raising each other up. Every dollar donated helps make sure individuals, children and families throughout the Jersey Shore have access to the programs that turn strangers into teammates, neighbors into friends and goals into shared victories.”

Be All In, All Together, with Us
The Day of Giving is the pinnacle of the Y’s larger Annual Campaign. The theme of this year’s campaign is “The All In, All Together Place,” highlighting the welcoming and nurturing environment of the Y. The Annual Campaign runs through March 31, but donations to support the Y’s mission are welcome year-round. This year’s goal is to raise $474,500, and donors have the option of designating the Y location their donation supports.

All YMCA branches will host a variety of activities for members to enjoy throughout the Day of Giving. Thanks to Wickersham’s generous pledge to match every gift up to $10,000, donations will have double the impact.

“Giving back to the Y means you’re giving someone a chance to belong,” said longtime Y board member Eric Baeri, who helps steer fundraising for the nonprofit. “The Y brings people together. Seeing the impact you can have on someone’s quality of life is a remarkable and unforgettable experience.”

No Better Time to Give
Success depends on community support. Every donation has a tangible impact on the life of someone in the local community and gives them the greatest gift of all — connection.

Community members and local businesses interested in supporting the Annual Campaign can make an online donation by visiting online, or stop by any of the YMCA branches in Red Bank, Freehold or Old Bridge.

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