The drive exceeds its goal by more than $22,000

By EDWARD HUSAR

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Volunteers raised a record $82,213 for the Quincy Family YMCA's annual "Strong Kids" campaign.

The goal was $60,000.

Jim Rubottom, campaign chairman, credited the enthusiasm and hard work of volunteers for exceeding the goal by such a hefty amount.

"The only reason it was so successful is 154 people were really excited about helping the program," he said.

The total was announced Thursday at a celebration event at the Stoney Creek Inn, where volunteers were recognized for their efforts.

Money generated for the Strong Kids campaign is used to provide financial assistance to needy families who couldn't otherwise afford YMCA programs and membership services.

Last year, for example, more than 570 individuals -- including 247 children -- received membership financial assistance so they could participate as full-privileged YMCA members.

In addition, the Strong Kids campaign provides operating support for a variety of youth programs offered by the YMCA, including youth sports, after-school programs, a summer day camp program and free swim lessons at the Jackson-Lincoln Pool for disadvantaged youths from that neighborhood.

Executive Director Mark Spiegelhoff said some of the funds raised in the campaign will be used to subsidize a new high school baseball program that starts in June. This is an extension of the current baseball program that ends at age 14.

"We're excited about that," he said.

Spiegelhoff said he was grateful to see the community support the Quincy Family YMCA so generously.

"Quincy is certainly a very giving community, and this is once again demonstrated by the amount raised this year in the Strong Kids campaign," he said.

"I'm of the opinion that because of the impact the Y has on kids, people are very generous in supporting kids' causes."

Spiegelhoff said the number of families seeking financial assistance has been growing in recent years, and he expects to see even more demand this coming year. So the Strong Kids campaign will benefit many people.

"This will no doubt help these working families who are financially pinched especially in this time of rising prices," he said.

Eighteen volunteer leaders were given special recognition for their efforts in helping the campaign surpass its goal: John Bocke, Sherry Centanni, Don Cooper, Diana Faust, Mark Freiburg, Rick Gengenbacher, Art Greenbank, Gerry Korb, Rich Marcolla, Aurie McGee, Steve and Cathy Meckes, Glennon Rost, Scott Ruff, Larry Shepherd, Eric Turnquist, Chis Daniels and Laura Kent Donahue.

Spiegelhoff also announced that the YMCA's Mount Sterling branch recently completed its own Strong Kids campaign and raised more than $40,000.

-- ehusar@whig.com/221-3378