Leave it to Jan

I may not have mentioned it on this blog, but I’ve been on a simplification kick this past year. We’ve even narrowed down the areas which we support financially. Crowder always tops the list, as well as the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Being a former Girl Scout leader, I’m forever sympathetic to the young girls selling cookies door to door.

Sometimes it’s the person organizing the fundraising effort as much as the worthwhile cause that gets me involved. That’s why I found myself in the position recently, stack of white pledge cards in front of me, calling YMCA members to make a donation to the Strong Kids Campaign. Apparently, I can’t say “no” to Jan Griffith and I most likely wouldn’t even if it were possible.

Jan has bailed me out of more organizing faux pas and near disasters than I can shake a day-planner at. As she once so delicately stated it, “Lori, I have been very good to you.” And she has.

Jan took the Crowder Wreath auction and birthed it from a quirky little idea into a social event. She has woven her laughter and good nature into countless charitable efforts across Neosho. Now I should point out that I would probably be involved with helping right now – even if Jan weren’t involved…it’s just a lot more fun when she is.

If you have kids or grandkids chances are at one time they’ve been involved with the Southwest Family YMCA. It has been such a large part of the boys’ lives that I can’t really remember it not being here.

Logan and Dexter are “Y-rats”. They know the place like the back of their hand. They’ve spent summers in the day camp, schools-day-out time, taken swimming lessons, flag football, basketball, and all-night lock-ins…the works. Recently they’ve graduated to a YMCA level they have been looking forward to for a long time. They completed their weight room initiation, which is a big deal for any young men just months away from being teenagers. They’re now able to come and go from the weight room and boy, are they driving me nuts making sure I get home on time to drive them out there.

All the programs I mentioned above haven been run in style. During Day Camp the guys took awesome trips to different locations each week; their team sports were always very competitive and highly instructional. None of these efforts are free to operate. There’s always a cost involved, but the YMCA, much to their credit, doesn’t turn anyone away due to financial constraint.

The Strong Kids Campaign helps fund the programs so every kid has a chance. It doesn’t take much to make a difference. Even $5 or $10 can help a young child have an enjoyable, athletic, happy day when the school is observing a long weekend.

If you’re a Southwest Family YMCA member and you received your campaign letter in the mail, send a little something back. You’ll have a ball trying to guess which kid you blessed they next time you stop by to swim or walk the treadmill.

And if you’re trying to raise money, decorate for a party, or pick out the perfect paint color give Jan a call, she would be happy to help. Just tell her Lori said so.