Why Your Annual Fund Gift Matters

Dear Friends of Youth Challenge,

In 2023, Youth Challenge participants scaled rock walls, launched kayaks, and created beautiful art. This wide expanse of programming – more than 300 activities per year – is offered free of charge because of people like you who support Youth Challenge.

To benefit hundreds of young people impacted by Youth Challenge every year, can we count on you for a gift to our 2023 Annual Fund? As an Annual Fund donor, you are directly funding free programs and transportation at Youth Challenge. You’re bringing together young people with physical disabilities and teen volunteers through adapted sports, art, and recreation.

Kate Soder, age 11, has been enjoying YC since 2019. While Kate doesn’t speak in words, her infectious smile, delightful laugh, and jovial spirit express the happiness she feels while enjoying programs with her volunteer partners. For Kate, who has spent more than 60 hours at Youth Challenge this year, each program brings an opportunity to connect with other kids, try something new, and have fun.

The power of your gift, however, goes beyond just Kate. You provide respite and peace of mind to her family. “Being parents of a child with a disability can often feel like a 24-hour job – but not on those days when Kate has Youth Challenge,” says Kate’s mom, Laura. “All of us get excited when we see the van roll up: Kate gets a break from us – and we get a break from her! She loves the independence of going out on her own, and we relax knowing that she is with folks who understand who she is and
what she needs. That is so valuable to us. We don’t know of any other program that can provide the friendship and support that YC provides.”

Kate is one of more than 150 participants relying on you. Will you give the gift of sports, arts, and recreation to the YC kids? Your donation provides vital respite time to parents who know their child is having fun in a safe, welcoming environment.

Please, make your Annual Fund contribution today. Here’s a snapshot of what your gift provides:

• Year-round recreation, art, and team sports for children with physical disabilities
• Free programs and transportation, removing barriers so YC is available to all who need it
•  A training ground for a strong and active corps of hundreds of compassionate teen volunteers

We are a community organization. We need our community to sustain our mission to provide unique and vital services for young people in Greater Cleveland. In short,  we need you. Thank you for being a part of our mission and considering a gift to our 2023 Annual Fund.

In gratitude,

Chris

Chris Garr

Chief Executive Officer

Click here to make a secure online donation. Your donation will be matched by our Board, along with our partners at Swagelok, up to $25,000!

While you’re there, you can also make your gift monthly. If you have any questions or would like to make your gift via phone, please call Ellen Coticchia  at 440-892-1001 x 10.