Fund campaign to begin

YOUNGSTOWN -- The YMCA of Youngstown will launch its annual "Partner of Youth" fund-raising campaign with a kickoff event for campaigners at the Chevrolet Centre downtown at 5:30 p.m. Friday.
In keeping with the mission to make membership and programs available for all, regardless of their ability to pay, the YMCA hopes to raise a substantial portion of the needed funds through this campaign. This year's goal is set at $80,000.
Leading the 2006 campaign will be local businessmen and longtime YMCA members Joe Pipino, serving as chairman, and Doug Sweeney, co-chairman.
Two special fund-raising events will be held to help in the effort.
A daylong spin-a-thon will take place at the Y's Central Branch on Champion Street in downtown Youngstown on Saturday. Participating riders will ride a spinning bike for one hour for every $50 they raise or donate.
The Y's D.D. & amp; Velma Davis Family Branch on McClurg Road, Boardman, will present an evening of music and entertainment from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 18 featuring singer/songwriter Chip Richter and his group Chip and the Munks.
People interested in volunteering for the campaign or making a donation are asked to contact the YMCA at (330) 744-8411 or log onto the Y's Web site at www.youngstownymca.org.