Whether its donating blood, riding a stationary bike, or making a financial contribution, the Y invites all to participate in bolstering community health.
At the start of the year, the Sacramento Central YMCA partnered with KCRA 3 and Vitalant as one of the location hosts for the annual two-day event, Blood Drive for Life. Donating blood is just one of many acts of selflessness one can do. With no shortage of recipients, all it takes is an hour for the entire process of becoming a donor to help save lives.
According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, which every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer.
Anyone who chooses to donate blood can become heroes to their recipients and their communities.
On February 21st, 2020, Isaac Gonzalez, one of the Sacramento YMCA’s Advisory Council Members, will be completing his last annual birthday bike ride to fundraise for the Y-Assist program. This program increases opportunities to participate in the Y’s Programs by removing financial barriers to qualified applicants to enroll in membership, childcare, and summer camp.
For the past five years, Gonzalez has pedaled 12-hours straight on a stationary bike on his birthday. With the support of the community, Gonzalez’s birthday fundraiser raised an incredible $10,000 in funding for the Y summer camp in his neighborhood in 2019, and he hopes to do the same this year.
“I can't believe it's been five years sit I first challenged myself to do this,” says Gonzalez.
“I'm hoping to go out with a big bang and I'm counting on my friends, family, and community at large to help me finish strong and on time!”
Footage will live stream from the YMCA of Superior California's Facebook and Twitter accounts (@SacramentoYMCA) throughout the day while donations will be tracked in real-time on a thermometer in the lobby, and on Isaac’s donation page. Donations in support of Gonzalez and his goal can be made online at www.isaacbikeride.com or by texting “SACRAMENTO5” to 71777.
YMCA members, staff, volunteers and Y-Assist recipients will cheer all of the participants on.
On March 28th, 2020, Gold Country YMCA will also be hosting a stationary bike relay to raise crucial funds for programs and scholarship opportunities. More information can be found here.
The YMCA is proud to hold local events that bolster public health and strengthen community spirit for all, regardless of one’s background.
