BANGOR – The Bangor Y announced the start of its annual giving campaign March 5 at a Family Fun Night celebration at the Bangor Y Hammond Street location. With a team of 60 volunteers, a seven-week campaign period and a concerted community effort, the Bangor Y hopes to attain this year’s goal of $195,000. The campaign raises funds for Bangor Y scholarships and program subsidies.

Typical of a day at the YMCA and YWCA of Greater Bangor, the special event welcomed people of all ages, who participated in activities including swimming, climbing in the Bangor Y-Epic Sports Climbing Gym and playing basketball. Young children explored a toddler play area and made arts and crafts. Parents and children ate healthy snacks together and appreciated the benefits of the Bangor Y.

Peggy Wentworth, Bangor Y director of operations, said, “For 135 and 128 years respectively, the Bangor YMCA and YWCA Bangor-Brewer have been providing our community with a place for kids and adults to belong and thrive. The level of enthusiasm is invigorating as families have fun together in healthy activities.”

The annual giving campaign is the first campaign the YMCA and YWCA of Greater Bangor will tackle as a joint operation, but the purpose – to provide scholarships for those who cannot afford the cost of Y membership and programs – remains constant.

Tom Bennett, president of the Bangor YMCA board of directors, said, “This campaign has an ambitious goal and we will need generous support of the community to gather these resources. Our board is rallying to fulfill our commitment to our missions by making our services accessible to everyone. There is a critical need to provide these funds, and the driving force behind this campaign is the opportunities we provide our youth.”