YMCA plans fundraiser

HARDYSTON — The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges last week took its first step on a six-week journey to raise more than $1 million so individuals, families and seniors in financial need can enjoy the healthful benefits of Y membership.

Playing off the "Wizard of Oz" story, Metro YMCA President and Chief Executive Officer Richard K. Gorab on Jan. 29 addressed a crowd of more than 200 Metro Y supporters at the Hanover Manor acting as the Great and Powerful Wizard of YLand.

“You have a heart for our mission, the wisdom to know the Y is so much more, and the courage to make the promise that no one will ever be turned away due to an inability to pay," Gorab said.

The Metro Y serves more than 35,000 individuals at six branches, including the Sussex County YMCA.

Gorab set a six-week deadline for the six branches to raise $1,027,000, the bulk of the Metro Y’s $1.6 million support campaign for 2015. The Sussex County Y, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, aims to raise $203,000.

Gorab also called on all Y members to take the Stewards of Children training, a program that teaches adults how to implement effective prevention policies, recognize the signs of sexual abuse in children, and react responsibly if abuse occurs.