The Montecito Family YMCA is launching its Annual Fundraising Campaign, 6 p.m. Feb. 17 to help ensure everyone in southern Santa Barbara County has access to community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and struggling families.

This year, the Montecito Family YMCA hopes to raise $120,000, which will support essential worker childcare, YMCA-licensed preschool, afterschool care, COVID-19 safe health and wellness activities, and ongoing YMCA initiatives like 3rd Grade Learn to Swim.

The fundraising campaign’s virtual kick-off event will feature a magic show with magician Mark Collier performing magic tricks and illusions.

The health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown the importance of the YMCA as a community anchor. The Montecito Family YMCA continues to support affected people and neighborhoods.

“The recent pandemic has affected all of Santa Barbara County; countless people have come to rely on the support and services of our organization. While other businesses and services were shutting down or closing, the Y opened their doors even wider, ” said Mike Yamasaki, executive director, Montecito Family YMCA. “We’re constantly responding to the ever-changing needs of our community.”

As one of the sectors allowed to operate, the Y has remained open throughout the state’s stay-at-home order. The Y has moved fitness offerings outdoors, and developed a virtual exercise platform for members.

The Montecito Ys licensed preschool re-opened in June to provide care for community families and essential workers. When Montecito Union School reopened for in-person learning, the Y was ready to provide afterschool care for families in need. Also, a second offsite remote learning center opened at Adelante School in October.

Through it all, annual revenues at the Montecito Y have dropped by nearly $600,000 over the past year. The Y hopes the fundraising campaign will help raise enough funds to ensure community programs and services can continue in the community.

For more about the virtual campaign event or to donate, contact Yamasaki at 805-969-3288, or visit www.ciymca.org/donate.