The Hockomock Area YMCA held its annual Campaign Breakfast, a long-standing tradition held at Gillette Stadium’s Putnam Club in Foxborough on March 14.
The Y’s annual fundraising campaign, known as Reach Out, ensures this nonprofit organization continues to address emerging and critical human needs across the 15 communities they serve.
Farzin Karim, chair of the Board of Directors at the Hockomock Area YMCA, shared her personal story of receiving a scholarship to attend the Y as a young girl.
“I attended YMCA summer camp and I was in an environment where I felt safe, welcomed and where I could make friends, have fun, and just be a kid. This experience was life-changing,” said Farzin. “The Y was there in my time of need. And that is why we are all here this morning, to be there for someone else’s time of need.”
Angela Davis, member of the Board of Directors shared, “Last year, our YMCA provided $3.9 million in confidential financial assistance, providing opportunities for people in need to participate at our Hockomock Y. Additionally, 25,000 meals and 25,000 bags of groceries were distributed in 2024. These numbers are staggering and the need continues to grow in our communities.”
Longtime member and North Attleborough native Maddie Frechette shared her impactful YMCA story remarking, “My journey at the Y is one I hold onto tightly and has been so monumental to the trajectory of my career and my life.” Maddie’s has been a Y member, part-time staff member and the 2020 YMCA/Dean College scholarship recipient. Frechette added, “None of this – my education, my career path or the person I have become -is possible without the Y. The Reach Out Campaign is more than just fundraising. It’s about creating opportunities, opening doors, and giving kids the same type of support, foundation, and encouragement I was so fortunate to have. When we support the Y, we’re helping to shape futures, build confidence and change lives. I know this personally, because it changed mine.”
Other YMCA members receiving financial assistance shared their stories of how the Y has impacted their lives. The Hockomock Y’s Board of Directors issued a $50,000 challenge to event attendees, matching all leadership gifts of $500 or more at the event.
Jim Downs, Hockomock Area YMCA CEO, thanked attendees for being at the event, believing in and supporting the Y’s mission saying, “The needs in our community continue to grow and our YMCA will always be here to meet them. As you leave today, take with you the responsibility to be a bridge for those in need. If you know of an individual or family facing hardship, please reach out to our Y. Thank you for choosing to make an impact and thank you for being here today.”
The Hockomock Y’s goal is to raise $1.5 million for this year’s campaign. The Breakfast event raised $227,500, bringing the total raised to date to $469,000 for this year’s campaign. To make a gift or learn how you can get involved, visit www.hockymca.org/give
The Hockomock Y provides a safety net for thousands of individuals and families facing challenges. The Y encourages members, volunteers, neighbors and friends in the community to join them in making a gift and raising funds to provide confidential financial assistance to those facing challenges. The Y is guided every day to remain focused on how best to respond to the emerging needs of the community it serves.