From a Shirt to a Movement

What began as a way to support our friend and teammate Rhonda has grown into something much bigger. The We Love You t-shirt campaign not only encouraged Rhonda, but planted the seed for the We Love You Fund — a lasting way for our Y family to lift burdens, bless others, and remind people: you belong here.

“Wow—what a whirlwind these past few weeks have been! There are simply no words to express my gratitude… This is why this Y is my Y and our Y. Where there is a need, our Y is there.”

Rhonda

The Heart Behind the Fund

The YMCA has always been about people, not programs or buildings. The We Love You Fund continues that tradition, giving staff the ability to respond quickly when a family needs help. It is a way for our Y family to practice spontaneous generosity, to lift burdens, and to create moments where people feel truly seen and supported.

What the Fund Does

The We Love You Fund helps families in meaningful, personal ways. It can cover a fee for a parent returning to work, provide a child with the gear needed to join a team, or even surprise a family with a meal so they can enjoy time together. These small acts of care create a big impact, showing that love in action is at the heart of everything we do.

Stories in Action

The impact is already happening. Recently, the fund helped a family start the BASE program earlier than planned, giving them the support they needed to participate fully. Moments like these demonstrate the real difference the We Love You Fund makes every day.

How It Works

Any staff member who notices a need can submit it for consideration. A small team of staff reviews requests quickly and acts fast. Whenever possible, the staff closest to the family delivers the gift personally, keeping each act meaningful and heartfelt. This isn’t a program — it’s who we are at the Y.

Why It Matters

For families, the fund removes barriers and creates hope. For staff, it reminds us that the Y is about building community, not just running programs. For the Y as an organization, it ties us back to our roots — from 1844 to today, the YMCA has always been about love, belonging, and showing up for one another.

How You Can Help

The We Love You Fund continues to grow through the support of our Y family and community partners. You can contribute with a one-time or recurring donation, through voluntary payroll deductions for staff, or by becoming a partner who shares in our mission. Every gift helps us carry forward the spirit of generosity that started with a simple t-shirt.