The Hockomock Area YMCA held its annual Campaign Breakfast, a long-standing tradition held at Gillette Stadium’s Putnam Club in Foxborough.
The Hockomock Area YMCA is more than a place; it is a cause that is committed to strengthening communities. The Y’s annual fundraising campaign, known as Reach Out, ensures this non-profit organization continues to address emerging and critical human needs across the 15 communities they serve.
Farzin Karim, chair of the Board of Directors at the Hockomock Area YMCA provided welcoming remarks and shared her personal story of receiving a scholarship to attend the Y as a young girl, “The Y was there in my time of need and that’s exactly what we’re here to do this morning, be there for someone in their time of need,” said Karim. “None of this would be possible without all of you – our family, our friends, our neighbors, and our community leaders. There’s collective strength and power in us coming together to serve the needs of those in our community and to make a difference in people’s lives. That need has never been greater.”
Board of Director Angela Davis shared the Hockomock Y’s community impact noting, “Last year, this YMCA provided $3.3 million in confidential financial assistance, providing opportunities for people in need to participate at our Hockomock Y. Additionally, 40,000 meals and 25,000 bags of groceries were distributed. These numbers are incredible, but we must never lose sight of the fact that behind every one of these numbers is a person, a life, a story.”
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| Congressman Auchincloss during his remarks |
The event’s guest speaker was Congressman Jake Auchincloss. Congressman Auchincloss remarked, “The Hockomock Area YMCA serves as a cornerstone of our community, enriching the lives of individuals and families and contributing to the overall well-being and vitality of this area.” Reflecting on his visit to the Y in 2020 during the pandemic, Auchincloss shared, “The Hockomock Y was providing food, emergency child care for first responders, and a safe place for students to participate in remote learning. The Y was there to meet whatever need arose. Quite simply, the Y provides opportunities in a way that no one else can. They can’t do this work alone and that’s why we are here today. Please help answer the call by making a donation to this incredible cause.”
YMCA members receiving financial assistance shared their stories of how the Y has impacted their lives. Christina, a grandmother raising her grandchildren, shared, “The YMCA has become a cherished part of our journey. They have demonstrated the profound impact that kindness and support can have. The amazing thing is that my grandchildren had the ability to attend Y programs without anyone knowing we received support. You all make that happen for hundreds of families.”
The Hockomock Y’s Board of Directors issued a $50,000 challenge to event attendees, matching all leadership gifts of $500 or more at the event.
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| Congressman Auchincloss (left) pictured with Hockomock Area YMCA Board Chair Farzin Karim and Hockomock Area YMCA CEO Jim Downs |
Jim Downs, Hockomock Area YMCA CEO thanked attendees for being at this event, believing in and supporting the Y’s mission saying, “Reach Out is the centerpiece of how we provide for our YMCA mission every day and helps make it possible to deliver so many important, vital programs and services. My commitment to you and our 15 area communities is that our YMCA will continue to be here when the need is greatest to serve our communities and to serve them with compassion."
The Hockomock Y’s goal is to raise $1.5 million for this year’s campaign. The Breakfast event raised $224,000, bringing the total raised to date to $451,000 for this year’s campaign. To make a gift or learn how you can volunteer, visit www.hockymca.org/give
The Hockomock Y provides a safety net for thousands of individuals and families facing challenges. The Y encourages members, volunteers, neighbors and friends in the community to join them in making a gift and raising funds to provide confidential financial assistance to those facing challenges. The Y is guided every day to remain focused on how best to respond to the emerging needs of the community it serves.
About Hockomock Area YMCA:The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit www.hockymca.org/our-cause/
Note: I was one of the more than 600 participants for this wonderful event.
