PELHAM – On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the Pelham YMCA will be kicking off its 2017 Campaign that raises money to provide scholarships to families in need throughout the community.

A campaign kickoff celebration will be held at 6 p.m. on Feb. 28 at Margarita Grill, 234 Cahaba Valley Road. Pelham YMCA Executive Director Jason Beasley said the event will also be a celebration of the Pelham YMCA’s 20^th anniversary.

Beasley said 100 percent of the money raised from the campaign, which is the YMCA’s biggest fundraiser every year, goes “directly to the individuals and families that need our help.”

Every year the fundraiser generates $70,000 to $80,000 for the Pelham YMCA. Beasley said the money does not go toward covering the cost of programs or and expenses associated with YMCA programs.

“This campaign sets the tone for the whole year as far as how many scholarships we can give out to families,” Beasley said.

Scholarships offset the costs of YMCA programs for families or individuals who may not be able to afford the full cost of a YMCA membership or a particular program offered by the YMCA.

In 2016, the YMCA gave $182,349 worth of scholarships to the community.

The six-week campaign begins March 1 and ends April 15, but donations are accepted throughout the entire year.

“We don’t raise money through car washes and bake sales,” Beasley said. “We fundraise through telling our story, by letting people know about the things we do to help the community and we ask them to be a part of it.”

Beasley said the YMCA is still in need of about 20 volunteers to help with the fundraiser. Volunteers are asked to help by raising $400 by reaching out to family, friends and business contacts.

Those interested in volunteering to help with the campaign are invited to attend the kickoff party for more information. Because space is limited, please RSVP by contacting Beasley at jbeasley@ymcabham.org.