THE 2017 ANNUAL YMCA campaign is chaired by the Webb Family. Shown here from left are family members Michael Colavecchi, Kim Webb, Grace Webb, Jeff Webb and Matthew Colavecchi.

IRON MOUNTAIN — The annual campaign, with a goal to raise $80,000, has been launched by the Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center to support community needs.

The purpose of the campaign is to ensure everyone in the region has access to community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, noted Jonathan Ringel, center director.

The local YMCA, in addition to addressing community issues, provides swim lessons, senior exercise classes, homelessness initiatives and personal wellness goals.

“Throughout Dickinson County, countless people know the Northern Lights YMCA, but there’s so much more to your Y than one might think. The Y is more than a gym — it’s a cause. As a charity, we are dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors,” Ringel said.

The funds will support youth swim lessons, summer day camp, senior health classes, scholarship opportunities and program support.

“We’re excited by what the YMCA has brought to Dickinson County over the past six years,” noted Jeff and Kim Webb, co-chairs of the campaign.

They added that they would like to see more children, adults, veterans, seniors and families benefit from the way that they have through their participation in the YMCA.

Last year’s campaign made it possible for 91 children to have a place to go after school, 256 seniors to get mobility strengthening and diabetes prevention education, and another 406 people to get access to education and training.

For more about the YMCA and the campaign, contact Ringel at 906-774-4076 or email jringel@nlymca.com.