EUGENE FAMILY YMCA TURNS 133 YEARS OLD, CELEBRATES BY GIVING BACK TO FRONTLINE COVID-19 WORKERS
Market of Choice donates 400 'Y' cookies to help the YMCA
thank first responders and medical professionals

Eugene, Ore., April 21, 2020 ---   The Eugene Family YMCA is celebrating its 133rd birthday on Wednesday, April 22, by doing what it does best: giving back.

Y staff will deliver 400 special 'Y' cookies donated by Market of Choice to our community's frontline workers who have been so selfless in their protection of our community and have worked tirelessly in the face of danger.

"On this birthday, it is only fitting to offer our gratitude in a unique Y way to those who are serving in essential ways during the coronavirus pandemic," said Brian Steffen, CEO of the Eugene Family YMCA. "Through the past century, the Y has experienced a number of transitions and hardships, which makes this year's celebration even more extraordinary as we persevere through this challenging time and continue to demonstrate our significance to Lane County. It is an honor to celebrate the Y's birthday by recognizing the heroes in our community who are working so hard to ensure that others have more birthdays!"

The Eugene Family YMCA is proud to partner with Market of Choice to offer gratitude to those working in fire stations, at PeaceHealth's Riverbend Annex, emergency child care sites, the Eugene Police Department, Lane County Public Health, urgent care centers and the city's Emergency Operations Center.

"It is not at all what we imagined our 133rd birthday would look like," said Chip Radebaugh, Board President of the Eugene Family YMCA. "Even so, as a volunteer board member, I've never been more proud to celebrate this organization's birthday as I am this year. The way we are serving the community during the coronavirus pandemic is exactly why we were created 133 years ago: to respond to the needs at hand. This pandemic shows that we've never been more relevant or resilient."

The Y was founded in 1887 on the University of Oregon campus by a UO professor and a small group of UO students. Back then, the Y's mission was to greet new students and acquaint them with student life.

In 2019, the Eugene Family YMCA was Lane County's largest afterschool child care provider, served more than 18,000 people through its programs and gave $464,675 in financial assistance to ensure that no one was turned away due to financial barriers.

Now, in 2020, the Y is evolving again--- as it has dozens of times in its long history--- to respond to the community's most pressing needs.
In the face of closures due to the spread of COVID-19, the Y has been providing free emergency child care, virtual fitness classes to maintain health and wellness, and outreach to combat social isolation and depression.
 
MEDIA PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
What: Y staff in Youth Development buses delivering Market of Choice treats to frontline emergency workers and medical professionals
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Where: PeaceHealth Annex/Eugene Police Department
 
PeaceHealth Riverbend Annex
Eugene Police Department
123 International Way
Springfield, OR 
300 Country Club Rd. 
Eugene, OR
9:45 - 10 a.m.
10:30 - 10:45 a.m.

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About the Eugene Family YMCA
The Eugene Family YMCA is one of the region's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each year across Lane County, the Y engages more than 18,000 people regardless of age, gender, income or background--- to nurture the potential of children, teens and seniors; improve health and well-being; and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2019, the Eugene Family YMCA awarded $464,675 in financial assistance. The YMCA has been serving the Eugene-area since 1887.

Media inquires, please contact:

Eugene Family YMCA
Beth Casper
541-686-9622 ext. 240
503-302-8776 (mobile)
beth@eugeneymca.org



The Y. For a better us.

Founded in 1887, We're Lane County's Oldest Nonprofit.

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