Our guest speaker on Friday, March 3rd was Elizabeth Michaud speaking to the Club about the 2023 YMCA of Snohomish County Fundraiser-Strength in Community. Elizabeth shared her background growing up in the YMCA-Everett childcare program. When she turned 18, she was to "cool" for the Y but when she got married and had three young boys, she rejoined the Y. Elizabeth noted that the Y has been around for over 100 years. She grew up in the Y, got financial assistance, joined an exercise group and connected with staff, lost weight, joined the Help Desk. Although she had no tech skills, she is started as an ACT coach and youth development, social development and more. She has worked herself up the organization and is now the Membership Director of the Y in Marysville.
The Strength in Community campaign is the YMCA Annual Campaign. Last year, the Marysville Family YMCA raised over $186 K in financial assistance. while giving over $686 K and as noted by Elizabeth, the gap continues to grow. No one is ever turned down at the Y. Marysville goal is to raise $200,000. In 2022 the six YMCAs in Snohomish County raised over $1 million dollars and gave away over $800,000 in financial assistance. The Marysville Y has been serving the community for 28 years.
Covid virtual learning care was implemented during the Covid outbreak. Some of the programs are "Safety around Water" which is a two-week program and is about a 30-minute programs in length. Pickle ball is played on Tuesday and Thursday. There is so much to offer at the Y for all ages. Elizabeth mentioned that there will be an Art Fair on March 20th. Another fantastic program this week.