(L to R) Top Row: Karen M. Robson, South Amboy YMCA Branch Director of Operations; Mary Taylor, YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign Volunteer; Val Tarr, South Amboy Elks Lodge #784; Anthony Conrad, YMCA Annual Support Campaign and Branch Board Chair; Rose Cushing, CEO YMCA of MEWSA
Middle Row: Adonus Curtis, Avry Roque, Jaliel Davis, Adrian Declet, Christian Merino, Daniel Reyes,
Bottom Row: Ximena Rosas, Fredrick Meyer, Antonella Mori, Sebastian Salgado, Annabelle Keremes *Photo Submitted

Press Release

SOUTH AMBOY – With the support of the South Amboy Elks Lodge #784 and other local donors, the Y has already raised over $8k since January 1st.  All funds raised are used to address community health needs and subsidize program fees for community members.  The lodge will be officially recognized at the Y’s Annual Support Campaign Kick-Off event on January 15th 5:30-6:30pm.  All community members and leaders are encouraged to attend this event held at the south Amboy YMCA Branch to learn about the Y’s cause to strengthen community.  

The South Amboy Elks Lodge No. 784 helped launch the South Amboy YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign with a donation of $2,500. The Lodges National Foundation gift made possible through the efforts of the Elks Care/Elks share community service initiative, will help fund the Y’s Safety Around Water initiative.  This initiative, including transportation, engages children in swim safety activities and educates parents about the importance of water safety.  The curriculum is offered to all second grade students in the Y’s aquatic center during the school year in partnership with the City of South Amboy School District.  

The cost of the program is funded through donations received from the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy’s Annual Support Campaign.  Children learn two basic skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give participants’ confidence around water: how to get to safety if they fall into a pool, and how to safely swim to safety without tiring.

Val Tarr, Elks Lodge Member, said “The Y is a great place that serves and welcomes everyone.  When I was in remission from cancer several years ago, I participated in the Y’s LiveSTRONG program at no cost.  It feels good to support another Y-sponsored initiative that makes an impact on our community.”  

“The Y strengthens our community with several outreach programs and activities.  We are grateful to the South Amboy Elks Lodge #784 and all major gift donors who support our efforts to make our community healthier and safer,”   said Anthony Conrad, 2020 South Amboy YMCA Annual Support Campaign Chair.  “The Safety Around Water program helps children, families and adults make sure they learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely.”

The Y offers free community swim times, welcoming all, due to the efforts of the Y’s Annual Support Campaign.  All guests are swim-tested by a YMCA-trained lifeguard.  A YMCA membership is not required; however, a guest application is required. YMCA scholarships, funded by the Y’s Annual Support Campaign, are available for any membership or program, including swim lessons, child care, camp, youth sports, and special needs activities. Call the South Amboy YMCA at 732.553.9622 or visit ymcaofmewsa.org for more information. Contact Karen.Robson@ymcaofmewsa.org for sponsorship opportunities.