ESCANABA — The Northern Lights YMCA Delta Center launched its Annual Campaign on Tuesday, January 21 at the Northern Lights YMCA in Escanaba. This annual initiative is a cornerstone of the YMCA’s efforts to support its direct financial assistance program and provide essential resources for youth-focused initiatives.

“This is our annual effort to seek community support for the YMCA mission and to also let the community know that the YMCA is so much more than a gym and pool facility,” said Caron Salo, associate executive director at the YMCA.

For 2025, the YMCA has set a fundraising goal of $95,000 for its community campaign, with plans to increase this amount through additional events scheduled throughout the year. “This first effort of the year is the most critical of everything we do,” noted Salo. Upcoming initiatives include a February fundraising event, a golf fundraiser in August, and collaboration with the Sweetgrass Championship and Island Resort & Casino for the annual Epson Tour outing in June.

The campaign is powered by dedicated volunteers. Steve and Caroline Carlson of Escanaba are serving as this year’s overall campaign chairs. Ed Legault, as Major Gifts Chair, focuses on securing contributions exceeding $250, while Kayla Weise, the General Gifts Chair, oversees donations ranging from $5 to $250.

Running from January 21 to March 28, the campaign includes weekly meetings for volunteers to track progress and refine strategies. “We hope to communicate our collective community impact and reinforce the fact that the YMCA is a very positive part of this community,” said Salo. “Last year, we provided direct assistance to over 1,400 individuals.”

For more information or to get involved, contact the YMCA at 906-789-0005 or go to their website at https://nlymca.com/delta/donate/.