Pineland YMCA Children enjoy various programs at Pineland YMCA (Photo Staff)

The Pineland YMCA's fiscal year ends in June 2007. By that time, more than $48,000 in annual scholarship funding will have been provided to local residents. According to DiRusso, the scholarship funding goal for FY 2007-08 remains $48,000 - $12,000 of which he hopes to raise next month. DiRusso noted that the Pineland YMCA and its fiscal standing are perhaps a bit misunderstood on account of the Y's location at Pineland and its relationship to the Libra Foundation, the philanthropic force behind Pineland Farms. "It's true that when the Pineland Y was formed, in 2002, our budget was subsidized in part by the Libra Foundation, largely through a very generous rental agreement," DiRusso said. "We are very thankful to Libra for all it has done for the Y through the years, but that financial assistance has decreased every year since our founding and completely goes away in 2008.

"We've built a strong presence in Gray and New Gloucester. We've picked up the slack each year as the Libra Foundation's consideration has diminished, and we're fully prepared to stand on our own. However, this new reality further underlines the need for strong, successful, concerted fundraising efforts like the one we're undertaking in April." DiRusso asked Gray and New Gloucester residents to bear a few things in mind, should they be approached next month by a YMCA scholarship drive volunteer:

•Membership fees cover the cost of maintaining and operating YMCA facilities for Y members, while donated dollars support membership and program scholarships.

•While the United Way does contribute funding to Cumberland County YMCA programs and scholarship efforts, the Pineland Y does not benefit from that funding, which is restricted to programs at the Greater Portland Branch (specifically youth and family programs such as child care, the Father's Support Group, and the Youth at Promise after-school program).

•By the same token, all donations to the Pineland YMCA are used to support programs and scholarships at the Pineland Y. "Some donors ask us to use their gifts for specific programs or activities outside of their branch and, of course, we honor their wishes," DiRusso said. "But excepting those cases, all funds raised here stay here."

•Contributions to the Annual Scholarship Drive can be made by check, Master Card or Visa, even on a bank draft/installment basis. The Pineland YMCA also accepts gifts of stock. "It is April, after all," DiRusso noted, "and this sort of charitable donation may be a good way to lighten your tax burden."

For more information on the Pineland YMCA, its programs and services, and its Annual Scholarship Drive, call 688-2255.