The YMCA is more than a gym…it’s a cause. On April 11, 2019, the YMCA kicked off their Annual Open Arms campaign. Since that time, they have collected 80% of their goal.

The Y has set a fundraising goal of $150,000 for the campaign to support a number of critical needs in the community. Northstar Bank & Michigan Mutual has teamed up to offer a matching gift to help the Y reach its ultimate fundraising goal and put them over the top. Beginning June 20, Northstar Bank and Michigan Mutual will be matching every dollar, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 with hopes to reach the $150,000 and even go over goal by the end of June.

“Michigan Mutual Mortgage is proud to offer a challenge match for the Open Arms Campaign. We have been involved with the YMCA of the Blue Water Area for numerous years and recognize how its programs and partnerships make such a difference for our neighborhoods. Our Y is the framework for a healthier community,” says Michael Cansfield, Vice President of Michigan Mutual.

Donations from the campaign will be used for financial assistance to help families in-need send their children to camp or participate in other youth programs, as well as to help fund specific initiatives such as:
- Combatting childhood obesity with CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) programs designed to help keep kids active while learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle.
- Ensuring that all children have access to free and low-cost water safety and swim programs.
- Healthy lifestyle and prevention programs like Enhance®Fitness, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA and the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program.

“Northstar Bank strongly believes in investing locally,” commented Christine McNabb, Northstar Bank Branch Manager. “Collaborating with Michigan Mutual to support YMCA’s campaign aligns well with our commitment to strengthen and serve our communities.”

Board members, volunteers, Y members & community supporters continue to come together and help drive the success of the campaign to reach the goal of $150,000. In 2018, the Y touched the lives of over 8,200 children and more than 3,000 children had had access to swim & water safety education. Because of the generosity of donors, kids have a safe place to learn and build confidence after school, families have a way to reconnect and grow together; and people throughout the Blue Water Area have programs to help them reach their full potential.

Information regarding the campaign can be found on the YMCA web site at www.bluewaterYMCA.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YMCABlueWater/.

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s Open Arms Annual Campaign efforts, please contact Liz Sawielski at (810) 987-6400 ext. 279 or esawielski@bluewaterymca.com, or visit http://www.bluewaterymca.com/donate for more information.

The YMCA is more than a gym…it’s a cause. On April 11, 2019, the YMCA kicked off their Annual Open Arms campaign. Every dollar donated to the YMCA of the Blue Water Area has a lasting impact on the people of St. Clair and Sanilac Counties. The Y serves nearly 25,000 people – or 1 out of every 8 people in the area – every year.