LOMPOC – The Lompoc Family YMCA on Feb. 15 kicked off its Annual Campaign, which brings together staff, board members and volunteers to raise funds to provide scholarships that will enable the Y to “Build a Better Lompoc.”
The Lompoc Family YMCA has set its goal of $100,00 for this year’s Annual Campaign, chaired by Lompoc Y Board Member Larry Ralston. Every dollar raised in the Annual Campaign is applied to placing kids and families in need into YMCA programs such as summer day camp, teen development, senior fitness, afterschool care, the LIVESTRONG cancer survivor program and memberships.
“Because the Y is so much more than a gym, our members not only have an extra resource to become healthier, but we also support values and programs that strengthen our community.” said Lompoc Family YMCA Branch Manager Susan Long. “The Lompoc YMCA staff, board members and volunteers are ‘For a Better Lompoc.’”
The Lompoc Family YMCA has a tradition of naming an Honorary Community Chair for its Annual Campaign. This year marks the Y’s 50th year in Lompoc. To celebrate this milestone, the YMCA has selected to honor the memory of long-time community leader and YMCA member Terrill Cox.
Terrill joined the Lompoc YMCA for its exercise programs in 2005 soon after he retired from a noted career in law and on the bench, which culminated in his serving as a Superior Court Judge.
“He was at the Y almost every day to exercise and play ping pong, said Lorraine Cox, Terrill’s wife of 56 years. “Terrill was very loyal to the YMCA. He approved of everything that the YMCA stood for. He was a huge advocate of the YMCA; he felt the YMCA was inclusive and very generous.”
Lorraine said that whenever Terrill had the opportunity, he let people know about the positive impact the YMCA has on the lives of those in the Lompoc community. Terrill was a big sports fan, particularly during NCAA March Madness Season. Staff and YMCA members fondly remember Terrill for his sense of humor, as an advocate for education and of course ping pong. To this day, you will see YMCA members playing ping pong on Terrill’s table that Lorraine donated to the YMCA. Members of the community who wish to join the YMCA in honoring Terrill’s lifelong contributions to Lompoc may do so by donating to the YMCA Annual Campaign in his name.
In 2016, the YMCA provided more than $100,000 in financial assistance to families and individuals for membership or programs such as child care, camp, sports and after-school programs.
“There are many challenges that we face in the Lompoc community,” said Susan. “Children face seemingly insurmountable learning gaps. Families find it difficult to spend quality time together. There is a continually growing income gap and people of all ages are fighting disease and struggling to live well. Our scholarships enable the community to be involved in programs that build a stronger community”
Donations to the YMCA can be made in-person or via mail at the Lompoc Family YMCA, 201 West College Ave., Lompoc or by calling 805.736.3483. For more information on the Annual Campaign or to make an online donation, visit ciymca.org/lompoc.
About the Channel Islands YMCA: Established in 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization of seven YMCA branches serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties including: Camarillo Family YMCA, Lompoc Family YMCA, Montecito Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Family YMCA, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez, Ventura Family YMCA, and Youth and Family Services YMCA which operates Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, the St. George Family Youth Center and My Home.
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Channel Islands YMCA serves over 46,000 individuals and provides over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families in need for child care, YMCA memberships, away and day camps, youth sports, and teen after-school programs. For more information about the Lompoc Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/lompoc/ or call (805) 736.3483.