After only a half hour of wearing his pedometer, Justice Jones, 9, had already racked up over 2,000 steps around the Cross Island Y gymnasium. Jones, as well as 40 fellow campers at the Y, recently aimed at the goal of 210,000 steps to raise $210,000 for the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign, an initiative that promotes a healthy lifestyle for children and makes access to the Y’s programs more accessible for those in need of financial assistance.
“This make me feel very good,” said Jones. “This is the way to become fit and healthy in a fun way.”
Led by Jamé Cohn, director of communications and fund development and Mel Walker from the Strong Kids Campaign, the campers enjoyed various competitions including an egg-balancing race and three-legged race. Even while waiting their turn, the children were running in place and constantly moving, all in an effort to step up their personal counts.
“These kids are excited about walking right now,” said Cohn. “The idea is to get parents excited about health and fitness, too.”
At the end of the day, the campers were able to take 80,000 collective steps, a tremendous figure when considering they were confined to gymnasium due to intense heat.
“Today, we raised more than donations. We raised awareness of the Strong Kids Campaign,” said Cohn. “The steps and donations that will equal to $210,000 will support strong kids and families throughout our neighborhood and give them financial assistance, so more children can participate in summer camp and our YMCA.”
To make a donation, call 718-551-9314 or visit www.ymcanyc.org/crossisland.
Cross Island Y takes a big step forward
By Bob Doda
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