The Saint Alphonsus Foundation today presented a check for more than $22,000 to the Make a Splash program at the Treasure Valley Family YMCA. The funds are proceeds from the annual Capitol Classic Kids Race, held this past June 2 in Boise.
Idaho has the second highest child drowning rate in the nation. Make a Splash is a water-safety program put on by the Y, designed to teach youngsters to be safe in the water and prevent tragic accidental drownings. The Y partners with elementary schools to provide the lessons during school hours at no cost to the participants.
“Too often, we see a youngster in our Emergency Department after a tragic water accident,” said Pam Thomas, Vice President, Mission and Wellness for Saint Alphonsus. “The Y’s Make a Splash program allows children and families who may not have the resources for water safety classes an opportunity to take these potentially life-saving classes.”
“Make a Splash is a proactive approach to teaching basic swimming and safety skills to our youth and is currently reaching over 2,000 third graders each year in the Treasure Valley,” said David Duro, CEO, Treasure Valley Family YMCA. “It’s never too early to get children involved in swimming – it’s important for safety reasons, but also a great way to keep active and healthy.”
Since its inception in 1983, the Capitol Classic has raised close to $400,000 to support a variety of children’s programs at Saint Alphonsus and within the community such as mental health services, pediatric therapies and the Alphonso Bear program.
The 37th Annual Capitol Classic is scheduled for June 1, 2019.
Dave Morris, Director of the Downtown YMCA (right) and Scott Curtis, VP/Chief Advancement Officer for the Treasure Valley Family YMCA (back row, left) join students from Lowell Elementary School and Y staff in accepting the $22,339 donation to the Make a Splash program from Saint Alphonsus Foundation Events Coordinator Debbie Hamilton (right, next to Dave Morris)