The Northumberland Family YMCA recently announced the success of a community challenge grant.
In August, DuPont Pioneer Seed territory manager Ginny Barnes of DuPont Pioneer Seed offered a challenge gift of $3,000 along with Crop Production Services, who offered a $500 challenge gift.
The combined challenge was extended to local farmers and land owners in an effort to gather funds to serve the community through the YMCA, reported branch executive Cristian Shirilla.
The challenge was graciously accepted, met and exceeded through the efforts of Keith Harris of Harris Farms, Inc., Mason Brent of Roanoke, Billy Dawson of Avalon Farm, Mike Bryant of Melville Farms and PJ Haynie of Haynie Farms, said Shirilla.
The combined pledged harvest from seven acres of this year’s corn crop and the match gifts raised $7,800, he said. The YMCA also received support from Crop Production Services manager Mark Cockrell as well as a grant from the Monsanto Fund making total support from local farmers and the agriculture industry $10,300 in 2016.
This is the second year the agricultural community has partnered with the YMCA, said Shirilla. The funds have provided educational programs for adults and children as well as provided scholarships for services like day camp, after-school and membership for teens and families.
“On behalf of the community I thank the local farming community and agriculture industry for their support,” said Shirilla. “Each year more individuals, more businesses and more families join the cause by giving time, talent or treasure. The more hands that are linked the more we can accomplish.”
The YMCA board is exploring additional services and programs to launch as the support base increases. Programs will be chosen based on needs in the community and the impact on increasing quality of life on the Northern Neck, he added.
