YMCA HOLDS HAIR CUT-A-THON TO RAISE FUNDS
The Family YMCA of the Desert will partner with Sharon of Benjamin’s on El Paseo to hold a “hair cut-a-thon” from 9:00am – 3:00pm on Tuesday, March 24 to raise funds for the YMCA’s annual campaign. Haircuts will only be $15 per person, and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Family YMCA. Those wishing to update their “do” may drop in (no appointment required) and are asked to arrive with clean, dry hair.
Benjamin’s salon is located at 75-880 El Paseo, Suite 5, in Palm Desert, adjacent to Bank of America at the corner of San Luis Rey across from Native Foods.
Funds raised will be applied to the YMCA’s annual sustaining campaign, the fund-raising goal for which is $440,000 this year. The results of five week campaign, which kicked off on February 19, will be critical in the YMCA’s ability to continue to provide financial aid and valuable childcare and activity programs for local kids and families who are in need of assistance and who would otherwise be unable to participate in a wide range of character and fitness-building programs after school and throughout the day. Donations in any amount are greatly welcome, and all donations are tax deductible.
A final YMCA campaign Victory Party and Dinner to recognize campaigners, where guests will dress for to fit the theme “A Three Ring Circus!” will take place on Thursday, March 26, at the Palm Desert YMCA at 43-930 San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert.
Campaign donations are accepted by credit card, cash, or check payment (made out to “Family YMCA of the Desert”) and sent to the Family YMCA at 43-930 San Pablo Avenue, Palm Desert, CA. 92260. To participate in the annual fundraising campaign or to make a contribution, please contact Terri Bona, Director of Fund Development, at 760-341-9622 or tbona@desertymca.org as soon as possible. Palm Springs YMCA campaign questions or donations may be directed to Alison Elsner at 760-320-6430-work, 760-413-5053-cell, or aelsner@desertymca.org.
For additional information regarding the YMCA’s hair cut-a-thon, please contact Alison Elsner at 760-320-6430-work, 760-413-5053-cell, or aelsner@desertymca.org.
During the past two and a half years, special partnerships between the Family YMCA and various local elementary and middle schools within Palm Springs Unified and Desert Sands Unified School Districts were launched to provide free, on-site after school care as part of the state of California’s recently enacted Proposition 49 / After School Education and Safety (ASES) Act.
Programming at both the Palm Desert and the Palm Springs YMCA locations includes after-school care, a fitness center, dance and performing arts, walking and running clubs, graphic arts and computers, basketball and flag football, sports, and fitness, youth and government, karate, gymnastics, senior activities, swimming, and Y Rookies Sports Leagues. The Palm Springs YMCA opened in January, 2004, after transitioning from the Palm Springs Youth Center, and now offers a full variety of programs for children, teens, adults, and seniors.
The Family YMCA of the Desert conducts an annual fund-raising campaign to support its financial assistance programs, making YMCA activities accessible to everyone. In 2008, funds raised reached over $440,000 through generous community support. Major YMCA events throughout the year to support programs, childcare, and financial assistance include: the Desert Bicycle Giveaway, an annual YMCA Golf Tournament, and the Hoedown at Sundown.
More than one third of the children participating in the YMCA of the Desert programs receive financial assistance, making community support a vital element in the ability to offer help to kids and their families. No child or family will be denied services because of an inability to pay.
Van Tanner (President, Desert Empire Insurance Services, Inc.) serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Family YMCA of the Desert, and Rob Ballew is the YMCA’s valley-wide Executive Director and C.E.O.
Congresswoman Mary Bono (45th district, California) serves as the Honorary Chair. The Board’s current emphasis is on continuing and growing childcare and development of a programming at the Palm Desert and Palm Springs YMCAs.
The Family YMCA of the Desert is one of 2500 YMCA’S nationwide, all of whom work towards building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. For more information please visit: http://www.desertymca.org.
The Family YMCA of the Desert has two primary locations:
Palm Desert / Administrative Offices: Palm Springs:
43-930 San Pablo Av. 3601 E. Mesquite Av.
Palm Desert, CA. 92260 Palm Springs, CA. 92264
760-341-9622-phone 760-320-6430-phone
For more information regarding YMCA events, activity programs, fundraising, or volunteer opportunities please contact Alison Elsner at 760-320-6430-work, 760-413-5053-cell, or aelsner@desertymca.org
About Family YMCA of the Desert:
The Family YMCA is the largest provider of licensed childcare in the valley, with facilities from Palm Springs to Thermal, having celebrated its 25 th Anniversary in the desert in 2007. Nearly 2400 kids and families each day are served at twenty-nine sites, with many opportunities in youth and family programming. The primary focus of the Family YMCA is to reinforce caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility while allowing kids to develop social skills, confidence, leadership, and fitness.
The Family YMCA is excited to be part of the national YMCA’s “American on the Move / Activate
America” initiative which strives to collaborate with community organizations to help families live
healthier lifestyles and focus on health and wellness. One current showcase program based on
the “Activate America” model is the “Y Be Fit” healthy eating and anti-obesity partnership for 50
students at Two Bunch Palms Elementary School in Desert Hot Springs, funded by the Desert
Healthcare District and operated by the Family YMCA.