Madison Area YMCA Staff Donates More Than $33,000 for the 2014 Annual Campaign; Staff Recognized by Y Board with Commendation

The Madison Area YMCA staff donated more than $33,000 to the staff appeal for the 2014 Annual Campaign, increasing donations by more than $7,800 from 2013’s Appeal.  

The Madison Area YMCA Board of Directors recognized the staff’s outstanding philanthropic performance in the 2014 Annual Campaign through a commendation presented by Board Member Jim Scaduto at a recent staff award celebration. Board Chairman Tom Uhlman also attended the event to express his appreciation to the staff.

Through the leadership of staff appeal chairpersons Kim Buccheri, Laura Gloss, Joe Gonsalves, Kare Matrisciano and Karen Sikes, generous donations from 256 staff members at the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center and Family Center, 102 of which were first time donors, showed their passion, support and enthusiasm for those served by funds raised through the Y’s Annual Campaign. In 2013, 213 staff members contributed $25,400 by the close of the staff appeal.

“Each year, I am humbled and impressed by the outstanding level of support from our staff,” said Diane Mann, President and CEO of the Madison Area YMCA. “Staff members recognize they are making a difference in people’s lives. Every single gift helps children and families in need by providing Y membership, early childhood education, child care, summer day camps and programs.”

The Annual Campaign raises awareness and funds for the Y’s financial assistance program that enables children and families, who work or reside within the Madison Area YMCA’s service area, to participate in Y programs and services regardless of their abilities to pay. Support is provided based upon demonstrated need. All donations remain local. The Annual Campaign also helps the Y broaden its reach into initiating enriching community wellness and health-enhancing programs such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, our new cancer survivors’ initiative, and Walk with Ease, an arthritis program, debuting soon.

The Madison Area YMCA, a nonprofit community organization, kicks off its Annual Campaign by raising funds through a staff appeal. The campaign then rolls out to Y Board members and Y members and the community in February, led by a group of more than 60 volunteer campaigners.

Pictured are Madison Area YMCA staff members wearing red staff campaign shirts screened with the slogan, “I made more possible!” Senior Director of Healthy Living Joe Gonslaves; Senior Director of Organization Advancement Sharon Kunas; Performing Arts Director Kim Buccheri; F.M. Kirby Children’s Center Director of Childcare Services Laura Gloss;  F.M. Kirby Children’s Center School Age Program Director Kare Matrisciano; and Madison Area YMCA President & CEO Diane Mann. Not pictured: Karen Sikes, a Kirby Center Toddler Program Lead Teacher who also served as a chairperson for the Staff Appeal.