The Lompoc Family YMCA will kick off its Annual Campaign on Thursday Feb. 4, and has named Maralynn (Haney) Blair the honorary chair. Blair has held major volunteer roles with the organization. Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC), a longtime community collaborator, will also be recognized as the honorary chair (organization).

The campaign launches at 6 p.m. with the Annual Campaign Kickoff being held virtually.

Lompoc Family YMCA has set its goal of $85,000 for this year’s drive. Annually, the YMCA has provided more than $100,000 in financial assistance to families and individuals for membership or programs such as child care, camp, sports and after-school programs.

Every dollar raised is applied to placing kids and families in need into YMCA programs, including the full day-child care and outdoor fitness programming for all ages.

Paul Hill and Bruce Coggin, Lompoc Family YMCA Board members, have been selected as co-campaign chairs to ensure the fundraising goal is met.

“During this crisis, our community over the last year has faced unprecedented challenges,” said Tommy Speidel, executive director. “We’re proud of the critical resoureces we’ve provided to the greater community of Lompoc. This was a year that the Y needed to live our mission and values in a huge way, and I feel like we have done just that.”

During her time with the YMCA as a volunteer, Blair, has served in a variety of program and policy roles for the Lompoc Family YMCA and the Channel Islands YMCA. She served on the Channel Islands YMCA Board of Directors and was recognized for service as a Channel Islands YMCA Golden Triangle award winner.

“I was drawn into being part of the YMCA because of the youth in our community,” Blair said. “Providing a safe space and structure is incredibly important, and the Y excels at doing just that.”

Lompoc Valley Medical Center has played a key role in supporting the Lompoc Family YMCA by collaborating to improve the community’s health and wellbeing. Over the last 20 years, the hospital has had representation on the board of managers, and served as a key collaborator in such health iniatives as Pinoneering Healthy Communities, Healthy Lompoc, and Livestrong at the YMCA.

“Lompoc Valley Medical Center appreciates the longstanding partnership and collaboration with the YMCA, in helping to make our community a better place,” said Steve Popkin, LVMC’s CEO and YMCA Board member.

“This year the Y stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our staff were in need of child care, so they could come to work worry-free regarding their children,” Popkin said. “The Y has helped to deliver that important resource for our staff and community.”

“Every day we see firsthand the tremendous impact that the Y has on families and individuals in the area,” said Speidel. “As a charitable organization, we have an obligation to do whatever we can to build a healthy community. Every one deserves a chance.”

Donations to the YMCA can be made at the Lompoc Family YMCA, 201 W. College Ave., Lompoc, or by calling 805-736-3483. For more on the annual campaign, visit ciymca.org.

Established in 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA includes seven branches serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties: Camarillo Family YMCA, Lompoc Family YMCA, Montecito Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Family YMCA, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez, Ventura Family YMCA, and Youth and Family Services YMCA, which operates Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, St. George Family Youth Center and My Home.

For more about the Lompoc Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/lompoc/ or call 805-736-3483.