YMCA Launches Annual Campaign to Ensure Access for All
Community Support Makes Life-Changing Programs Possible
SHREWSBURY, NJ (March 5, 2025) – When Stephanie Thompson first called the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, she wasn’t sure if her two grandsons—both with special needs—would be able to participate in its programs. She worried about the cost and whether they would fit in. But today, she credits the Y as “the best thing that has happened” for them.
Her grandsons gained confidence, made new friends, and achieved milestones she once thought impossible. One of their biggest achievements was swimming the entire length of the 25-yard pool at the Red Bank Family YMCA, where they took their first swimming lessons.
Their transformation was made possible, thanks to the Y’s Annual Campaign, which provides financial assistance to ensure that individuals and families—regardless of abilities, age, income, or background—have access to the nonprofit’s life-changing programs and services, from swim lessons and affordable child care to support for chronic disease prevention and mental health care.
The local Y kicked off its 2025 Annual Campaign on March 4, a national day of giving for YMCAs across the country “to raise critical funds to expand access to vital programs and services for deserving children and families in our community facing hardships,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Laurie Goganzer.
Themed, “Strengthening Generations,” the campaign invites Y members, local businesses, and the greater community to support the Y’s charitable mission. In 2024 alone, the Y provided $1 million in reduced fees to qualifying individuals and families. This year, the Y aims to raise $1.25 million, including $200,000 during the eight-week community campaign.
“Thanks to generous donors, thousands of children, adults, and seniors can access the YMCA, helping them lead healthier, more connected lives,” said the Y’s Chief Volunteer Officer Michael A. Wright. “Together, we are strengthening generations through the power of community support.”
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County serves over 42,000 people across Monmouth County and in communities in Middlesex and Ocean counties.
Mary Kay Dauria credits the Y’s LIVESTRONG cancer recovery program with building both her physical strength and community connection. The program is one of several free adult wellness initiatives supported in part by Annual Campaign donations.
For Kathy Ismail, being a member of the Old Bridge Family YMCA has helped strengthen her overall well-being, supporting her through a difficult period of losing loved ones. “There was a time when I would not have been able to join the YMCA had it not been for the scholarships. I am YMCA for life,” she said.
Community members and local businesses interested in supporting the Annual Campaign can make an online donation by visiting
YMCAnj.org/AnnualCampaign.
“Every gift—big or small—creates opportunities to help children, families and individuals learn, grow and thrive at the Y,” Goganzer said.
The Y also is hosting special fundraising events during the campaign period, including the Old Bridge Family YMCA’s Community Bash on April 3, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at Palms Plaza in Matawan.
To learn more about the campaign and upcoming fundraising events, email Vicky Allen at
vallen@ymcanj.org.
About YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
For 150 years, YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has empowered youth, improved health, and fostered connections that unite and uplift the community. Serving 42,000 people annually, we’ve provided over $5 million in financial assistance in the last five years. With locations in eight communities and programs integrated into more than 100 schools across Monmouth and Ocean counties, we are dedicated to strengthening communities. Named a New Jersey Top Workplace for four consecutive years by NJ Advance Media, we’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ.
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