The Norwich Family YMCA 2024-2025 Annual Campaign Co-Chairs Sally and Peter Miers. The pair hopes to reach their fundraising goal of $150,000 to support the Norwich Family YMCA operations, programs, and scholarships. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH - The Norwich Family YMCA has launched the 2024-2025 Annual Campaign to support YMCA scholarships, programs, and operations.

YMCA Director Jamey Mullen enthusiastically announced that Sally Miers and her son Peter Miers have graciously accepted to be co-chairs for this year’s Annual Campaign for the Norwich YMCA.

The Miers announced a community goal of $150,000 during a community kickoff, which was held on September 20 at the YMCA. During the community kickoff, an “old fashioned” ice cream social along with a community family night featured bounce houses, kids’ gym, and climbing wall available for kids, along with family games and music.

It was great to kick off the campaign with so many children and families gathering in the spirit of the YMCA stated Sally Miers, while Peter Miers was happy to report that 10 percent of our goal has been met after day one.

Peter Miers said, “When we were asked to be co-chairs of the 2024-2025 Norwich Family YMCA Annual Campaign, both my mom and I knew that my dad would be pleased."

Peter’s dad, Fred Miers, a longtime community leader, Y advocate, Board Member, and Trustee of the YMCA, passed away on March 4.

Miers stated, “It was an easy decision to support the Y with their campaign, as the Norwich Y was, and still is, so important to our family and the community. The Y adds value to our lives across each generation and through the years."

Co-Chair Sally Miers commented that “it didn’t matter if you were three, 30, or 93, the YMCA is open for you and your family. It is remarkable that the Y is open 358 days a year, but the Y isn’t just open, it’s alive. Between swim lessons, basketball games, summer camp, preschool, weight room, adult classes, and family nights, we are all learning and growing while making memories."

The Miers collectively stated, “While the Y has created traditions for families, its tradition of support for the Norwich community matters just as much. Whether it’s the Gus Macker basketball tournament, the Turkey Trot, or the partnership with Helping Hands, our YMCA is there. Their doors are open in emergencies too, which many might not know unless they needed shelter from a storm or when power went out."

In addition to the goodwill and gratitude, the fees that members pay to utilize the Y facility do not cover all of the expenses associated with operating a facility like the Y. Extra help is required annually to help maintain the facility, while also supporting and providing scholarships for children and families who might not otherwise be able to join or participate in many of the Y programs.

Peter and Sally said, “Our goal is ambitious - $150,000 - but we can reach that goal with everyone’s help."

If you would like to join the hundreds of local residents and former Norwich residents who continue to support the YMCA with this year’s campaign, donations can be sent to the Norwich YMCA, or online donations can be made at www.norwichymca.org/donate-2/.

-Information provided by the Norwich Family YMCA