(Long Island, NY) On Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 3 pm, YMCA of Long Island President & CEO, Anne N. Brigis, and YMCA of LI Chairman Scott Sammis will cage dive with the sharks at the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center to raise awareness for the FREE Y Pre-Teen & Teen Center Program across Long Island.
There will be 35 pre-teens and teens from the YMCA Summer Day Camp, as well as several YMCA Board Members at the exhibit to cheer Anne and Scott on.
Why swim with the sharks? Ms. Brigis offers, “I think this is a great way to both raise awareness about our FREE pre-teen and teen centers, while setting an example about facing life’s challenges. Sharks are definitely in my book or challenges!”
Free to teens doesn’t mean free to offer. That’s why YMCA of LI CEO Anne Brigis is taking the plunge to raise awareness and funding for the centers.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE:
With gangs and substance abuse on the rise in Long Island, teens and pre-teens need – more than ever before – a safe, fun, and supervised place to “hang out.” The YMCA of Long Island offers such an alternative every Friday and Saturday night during the school year FREE OF CHARGE to Long Island youngsters, whether or not they are members of the Y. As a result, parents can have peace of mind while kids can enjoy their freedom, explore their independence, and make social connections away from the detrimental influences of the street. Pre-Teen and Teen Center participants have full access to the Y’s facilities, including the pool, gymnasium, computer rooms, lounges, and fitness centers.
BACKGROUND
Since its inception in 1995, more than 260,000 youngsters have made the most of the Y’s Pre-Teen and Teen Centers – enjoying recreational swimming, fitness facilities, dance classes, aerobics, computers, basketball and more. Most importantly, these kids have created bonds, built lasting friendships, and felt welcomed and supported by our Pre-Teen & Teen Center staff each and every week.
Watch Kareem’s story about how the Y Teen Centers changed his life.
http://youtu.be/BbLVjakzzgw
About the YMCA of Long Island
The YMCA of Long Island is a cause-driven, community-based nonprofit organization that works to foster Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The YMCA of Long Island operates facilities in Glen Cove, Bay Shore, Patchogue, Huntington, Brookhaven, and East Hampton. It also has a number of Family Services counseling sites and operates 27 child care sites across Long Island. In total, the Y offers hundreds of programs and activities to improve the quality of life for more than 60,000 children, families and individuals year-round. Learn more at www.ymcali.org.
