YMCA raising funds to 'build people'

By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS SMYRNA A.M.
The Daily News Journal Murfreesboro, TN

Mealand Ragland-Hudgins, (615) 459-3868, mragland@dnj.com

The North Rutherford YMCA kicked off its annual We Build People campaign Thursday night to raise money to open its doors to those who otherwise would not be able to afford its services.

"Last year, we raised $70,000 and that allowed us to help 3,346 people. This year, we're looking to raise $85,000 and help 5,000 people," said 2008 campaign chair Mike Slinker. "We don't raise money; we build people. But it takes money to do that."

The Y serves approximately 10,500 members and 31 percent of them receive some kind of financial assistance. Money raised from the campaign will go to people participating in several programs, including the newly-added Restore Ministries. That program encompasses Journey to Freedom, an eight-week study group that deals overcoming life's obstacles en route to a better life, as well as career, individual, family and marriage counseling services.

"People come to us in dire straits," said Gary A. Cobbs, executive director of the North Rutherford Y.

Lindsey Campbell works with Restore Ministries and said it's only been recently that people have sought out area YMCA's for counseling services.

"Middle Tennessee is hurting. Smyrna is hurting, La Vergne is hurting. At our first Journey to Faith class, 25 people went through it, compared to eight or 10 at a normal YMCA," she said.

By giving to the campaign, one isn't just paying for gym equipment or swim lessons, Campbell said, but "helping people better themselves."

Leaders of this year's campaign include Susan Cobb and Mack Barrett, major gifts co-chairs, and Dan Whittle, community gifts chair.

To donate to the campaign, contact Gary Cobbs at (615) 220-9622 or visit www.ymcamidtn.org.

Originally Published February 13, 2008
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