Youngstown State University to be launch site of YMCA aid program

The program aids families and individuals interested in YMCA programs.

YOUNGSTOWN — The YMCA of Youngstown will launch its 2008 Partner of Youth Campaign on Thursday at Youngstown State University.

The school’s athletic department has donated 1,000 tickets for YMCA members and program participants to attend the men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader that evening. Between games, a short informational and training session will be held for campaign volunteers in the DeBartolo Stadium Club at Stambaugh Stadium.

The Partner of Youth Campaign was created to provide financial assistance for memberships and programs benefiting children, adults, families and individuals with disabilities at all three YMCA branches: Central Branch in downtown Youngstown, the Davis Family Branch in Boardman and Camp Fitch on Lake Erie.

Tom Grantonic, YMCA Davis Branch director, said the money raised during the Partner of Youth campaign last year helped provide financial assistance to over 3,000 youths, 600 families, 1,500 adults and 1,000 disabled individuals.

“Given the fact that what is now YSU began at the Youngstown ‘Y’ 100 years ago, it’s fitting that this year’s campaign begins on the university campus,” YMCA Central Branch Director Mike Shaffer explained.

This year’s effort will be under the leadership of Monsignor Michael Cariglio of Mount Carmel Church, assisted by his vice chairman, Paul Harkey, area manager for Ohio Edison.

Additional information on the campaign and YMCA programs is available at www.YoungstownYMCA.org.