Save the Date!
The 4th annual Y Giving Day will take place on October 28th and 29th. Together, we’ll fund 13 projects that will strengthen our Y, support our colleagues, and make a lasting impact in our community.
The 2025 Projects:
Project Goal: $25,000
At the Y, one in four youth participate in our programs through the support of our financial assistance program. While Y Giving Day will provide opportunities for 575 youth who would otherwise be unable to participate, this is just a portion of the children we serve every year. With your help, we can ensure even more kids experience programs like swimming lessons, dance, karate, music, e-sports, gymnastics, basketball, soccer, kickball, logrolling, and more!
Project Goal: $30,000
Support the Y’s Wellness Warriors program. This program includes an 8-week wellness program covering each of the eight dimensions of wellness. Each participant receives a free one-year family membership so the family can focus on wellness together. The Y aims to serve 40+ veterans annually in this program.
Project Goal: $5,000
The beloved Dahl Child Watch area is in need of some upgrades. On Giving Day, we aim to raise funds to update the space, including paint, lighting, toys, and equipment.
Project Goal: $40,000
We will raise funds to support Food Access Work at the Y. The Y is on track to serve 250,000 meals and snacks to kids and families in our community in 2024. These funds would help staff Y on the Fly in the fall months and support the Mobile Market Food Pantry which provides food boxes to 100 families in our community.
Project Goal: $15,000
Roughly 3,500 local seniors participate in membership at our Y to meet their personal wellness goals and enjoy the friendships and camaraderie found here. They work out in our wellness centers, enjoy a wide variety of fitness classes, and develop close bonds with each other. To ensure all seniors have access to the Y, we will raise funds to support senior memberships through the Y’s income-based Membership For All program.
Project Goal: $15,000
The Y’s three Community Health Workers assist an average of 60 families at any given time who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. A partnership with the local school districts and the Great Rivers United Way Hub, our Community Health Workers help families access employment, education, housing, healthcare, food, and basic necessities so their children can attend and find better success in school. On Y Giving Day we will raise funds to support their work.
Project Goal: $20,000
As the Community Youth Center continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our area’s youth, we will raise funds to sponsor participation in the program. The center is open seven days a week to ALL youth ages 10-17 in our community, including youth who are disproportionately impacted by poverty. Youth who visit the program pay no fees to belong or to participate in Youth Center Field Trips and/or YMCA enrichment and athletic programming. Funds from this campaign will offset the costs of the program including staffing, supplies, and immediate needs.
Project Goal: $10,000
YOUTHSTRONG at the Y provides youth cancer survivors with opportunities to regain their strength, have fun in Y programming, and enjoy time with their families. Survivors choose between 24 personal training sessions or unlimited youth programming for a year. In addition, the family of the survivor receives a one-year membership so they enjoy family time and refocus on wellness together. This program is provided free of charge and is funded 100% by philanthropy.
Project Goal: $15,000
The WAVE Swim Team is a cherished legacy program at the La Crosse Area Family Y. Along with the physical and athletic challenge that comes with joining the WAVE Swim Team, generations of participants have found friendships, family, and fun through the program. This Y Giving Day project will secure funding to offset the operational costs of the WAVE Swim Team not funded through participant dues, ensuring the financial health of the swim team and also providing funds for team supplies and travel expenses for participants.
Project Goal: $25,000
The gymnasium at the Dahl Family YMCA is as busy as ever. With hundreds of kids learning basketball, and seasoned players enjoying the sport at all ages, the gym is a beloved community space that serves thousands of neighbors annually. The suspended basketball hoops are in need of replacement. This campaign will ensure new hoops are available for players for many years to come.
2023 Project Impact Report
Last October 24th and 25th, the Y held its second annual Y Giving Day, a celebration of philanthropy raising important funds for nine YMCA Initiatives. In 36 hours, our Y received 689 donations for a total of $190,395. Thank you for making so much possible with your support of Y Giving Day! We are pleased to provide you with updates on each of the nine projects.