YMCA of Greater Des Moines Fundraising Campaign Tops $1.365 Million

Submitted by the YMCA of Greater Des Moines

The most successful annual fundraising campaign in the history of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines concluded Tuesday, Feb. 28, with more than $1.365 million in gifts and commitments.

The total raised of $1,365,059 exceeded the 2012 YPartners campaign goal of $1,322,000. YPartners is the annual support campaign that enables the YMCA of Greater Des Moines to offer program and membership scholarships to individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford to participate.

As part of the overall campaign, 11 individual campaigns were held at the Y branches in the metro Des Moines area as well as the Y Camp in Boone and the Boone County Family YMCA. According to the Waukee Family YMCA website, the Waukee branch has raised more than $155,711 surpassing its goal of $150,000.

“Surpassing this goal means we will be able to assist more than 18,000 individuals with a scholarship in the coming year for our various Y programs,” said Vernon Delpesce, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. “YPartners has been an enormous success from every standpoint and a true team effort was provided by our 450 volunteers throughout the greater Des Moines area.”

“Each gift was important and I’m exceedingly grateful for each and every individual, business and organization that has helped enrich the Y experience, while enhancing the lives of the citizens in our community,” Delpesce said.

Jeff Nelson, director of marketing with Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, served as the Association Chair of the YPartners Campaign.