(IRON MOUNTAIN, MI.)–100+ Women Who Care in Dickinson County selected the YMCA to receive its generous donation of approximately $23,000 at its second quarterly meeting of 2018.
The room full of women at Pine Grove Country Club heard presentations from three 501(c)(3) organizations before making their decision to support an important YMCA program.
Three years ago, the YMCA started a program through grant funding to provide swimming lessons for five weeks for every third grader in Dickinson County, including Iron Mountain, Kingsford, Bishop Baraga, Holy Spirit, North Dickinson and Norway. This year they added Niagara, and next year they hope to include Florence.
The funding from 100+ Women, combined with other donations and grant opportunities, will solidify this program for the next five years, covering transportation costs, wages, and equipment supplies.
With over 20 public lakes, countless rivers and streams, and an abundant number of private pools, Dickinson County is at high risk for accidental drowning.
This YMCA program focuses on safety. It not only teaches students how to swim but also how to be safe around the water. Students are divided into beginner and advanced groups for lessons, with one-on-one direct instruction for any student with special needs. Students are instructed on different types of safety strokes and they practice treading water for extended periods of time.
Since its inception in 2012, 100+ Women has now raised approximately $490,000 for local organizations and charities.
The next meeting for this group is scheduled for Monday, August 13, 2018, at which time another 501(c)(3) nomination will be chosen.
All interested women are invited to participate. For more information or to join 100+ Women, email dc100women@gmail.com.
(Aaron Harper,WJNR,WOBE,WHTO)
aaronharper22@gmail.com