Gifts and Contributions

In early 2008, Russell Smith noticed that it was getting more difficult to walk.  After many tests, he learned that bone spurs and ligaments were closing off his spinal cord, causing him to lose feeling in his legs and be unable to walk.  In April, he endured two surgeries within one week on his spinal cord.  Following therapy at the Shepard Spinal Clinic, Russell was told to continue his rehabilitation by swimming.  Russell needed a pool with a chair lift to allow him to enter the water from his wheelchair.  Knowing that the Classic City Pilot Club had donated a chair lift to our pool, he joined the YWCO.  Since coming to the YWCO, he has progressed from a wheelchair to a walker and can now take a few unassisted steps.  Russell feels the aquatic staff’s support and encouragement are invaluable and declares, “My YWCO membership is the best money I have ever spent.”
 
Over the past year, contributions enabled the YWCO to do the following:
·      Teach hundreds of children and adults to swim.
·      Help many senior adults to remain independent and active.
·      Provide safe, enriching afterschool and summer day camp programs.
·      Train area lifeguards and teach community CPR and AED classes.
·      Provide aquatic therapy for children and adults.
·      Provide Special Olympics athletes a pool in which to train.
·      Give girls from low-income families a safe environment.
 
Although this past year was very productive programmatically, it was also financially challenging as the result of the economy. The YWCO staff and Board have worked hard to raise funds and to cut expenses. Still, we need your help in order to be able to continue provide the services that can make a difference in the lives of people like Russell.
 
Please consider the YWCO in your end-of-year giving.  Your gift will make a difference.  Make your check payable to the YWCO and return it in the provided envelope.  All contributions are tax deductible and are essential to furthering the mission of the YWCO.  Thank you for your consideration and support.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Dave Hudgins                           Kitty Meyran
Board President                        Executive Director