YMCA of the USA awarded $1 million from Sam's Club 'Giving Made Simple' Campaign

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Jun 04, 2010, 11:08 ET

Gift is part of national charitable giving initiative awarding $4 million to eight non-profit organizations

CHICAGO, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the resource office for the nation's 2,687 YMCAs, today received a $1 million gift from Sam's Club by placing first in the education category of the "Giving Made Simple" online campaign. The Sam's Club gift will be used to enhance national urban education and outreach initiatives, including YMCA Achievers, an academic achievement and college readiness program designed to help teens set and pursue high educational and career goals.

"We are thrilled and very grateful that Y-USA was selected for this voting campaign and want to thank Sam's Club and all of its members and associates who voted for us, " said Neil Nicoll, President and CEO of Y-USA. "The $1 million award will help to elevate the YMCA's educational platform and support our ongoing efforts to bring the vital work we do with youth and teens to the forefront of communities across the country."

Through YMCA Achievers and other youth development initiatives, YMCAs across the country provide thousands of youth and teen opportunities for academic enrichment, college access support, adult mentors and leadership skills. The Sam's Club gift will be used to enhance such programming at select YMCAs serving diverse communities throughout the country.

The "Giving Made Simple" campaign was designed to support educational programs aimed at empowering the nation's youth to ensure they succeed in the future, as well as small business and entrepreneurial programs that help business owners launch, sustain and grow their businesses. From April 8-May 2, Sam's Club members and associates were encouraged to log on to the company's web site, or use the social media sites Facebook and Twitter, to vote for one of eight participating non-profit organizations – four in the entrepreneurial category and four in the education category. The number of votes determined which organizations in each category received $1 million for first place; $500,000 for second place; and $250,000 for third and fourth place. Y- USA competed with three other organizations in the education category. Sam's Club also accepted votes in its stores nationwide on April 10.

"Giving Made Simple is an exciting addition to our charitable efforts and complements our core business strategy that puts our members first in everything we do at Sam's Club," said Brian Cornell, President and CEO. "We believe that by supporting organizations like the YMCA–organizations dedicated to preparing children and teens for life-long success–we are making an investment in the communities and people we serve."

ABOUT SAM'S CLUB

Sam's Club is a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., (NYSE: WMT). The first Sam's Club opened its doors in Midwest City, Okla., in 1983. Today, Sam's Club serves more than 47 million U.S. members with locations nationwide, as well as in Brazil, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Saving is made simple at Sam's Club. Visit samsclub.com for more information.

ABOUT YMCA OF THE USA

YMCA of the USA is the resource office for the nation's 2,687 YMCAs, which serve 21 million people each year, including nearly 10 million children under the age of 18. YMCAs respond to critical social needs by drawing on their collective strength as one of America's largest not-for-profit community service organizations. Through a variety of programs and services focused on the holistic development of children and youth, family strengthening and health and well-being for all, YMCAs unite men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs have proudly served America's communities for nearly 160 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Visit www.ymca.net to find your local YMCA.

YMCA of the USA is a non-profit, charitable organization. Any reference to products or services does not constitute endorsement, recommendation or favoring by YMCA of the USA. We acknowledge and appreciate the support of our charitable partners, and are proud to collaborate with them.