The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will add the Greater Green Bay YMCA Full Circle Program to its list of non-profit partners for the next three years. The Y joins Golden House and ASPIRO as the recipients of funds raised by the 17th annual Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.
Much more than just a fitness center, the Greater Green Bay YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Its Full Circle program is designed for youth ages 3-17 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other sensory processing challenges. The goal of Full Circle is to provide recreational, health and wellness opportunities for children with unique needs. Kids and teens in the year-long program have the opportunity to participate in a “full circle” of programs designed for success in areas of their physical, social and emotional well-being.
“The Y is grateful to have been selected as a Cellcom Green Bay Marathon charity partner, a signature event that truly gives back to the community. Our Full Circle program for children on the autism spectrum was developed in response to a growing community need. As the prevalence of autism grows, we recognized an emerging opportunity to provide programs for children and their families. This program recently launched and has been met with great enthusiasm by families from the community as demonstrated by our current waiting list. Full Circle embraces the Y’s three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. As a charity partner, we will be able to expand the depth and breadth of how we deliver this innovative program to the community,” said Steve Harty, Greater Green Bay YMCA President/CEO.
The charity partners for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon operate on three-year terms, with one new charity added each year and one exiting charity each year. The selected non-profit organizations become a strong member of the operational team, comprised primarily of volunteers, to put on this event.
“We are excited to have the YMCA on board for the next three years. The Y is such a vibrant part of health and wellness in this community and is constantly finding new ways to innovate and bring wellness to a diverse audience,” said Brighid Riordan, board president of the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. “Our goal is promote a year-round active lifestyle and foster community spirit. The Y certainly embodies this and we are proud to offer our support to their mission.”
The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon aims to support a community need when selecting a charity partner and chooses a charity partner that can effectively utilize the marathon’s platform. In 2015, the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon donated $150,000 to its three charity partners. Over the past 16 years, the non-profit event has generated over $1 million in proceeds for local non-profits.
To pledge to run for the Greater Green Bay YMCA Full Circle Program or another charity partner, runners can sign-up for the Run for a Reason program, which allows participants to raise funds for the marathon’s partners in exchange for a free entry into the marathon or half marathon. Participants must raise $300 to receive their free entry and all funds go directly to the charities.