PRESS RELEASE
Boise, ID – 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 children 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).
About Saint Alphonsus Health System
As a faith-based Catholic ministry and not-for-profit health system, Saint Alphonsus Health System reinvests in the communities we serve, through charity care and other benefits. Our goal is to improve the health and well-being of people by emphasizing care that is patient-centered, physician-led, innovative and community-based. Saint Alphonsus Health System serves the people of southwestern Idaho, eastern Oregon, and northern Nevada through these facilities: Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center – Boise, ID; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Nampa, ID; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Ontario, OR; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Baker City, OR; and, Saint Alphonsus Medical Group with primary and specialty care providers at over 60 clinic locations, all of which are members of the Saint Alphonsus Health Alliance, a network of over 1900 employed and independent providers. Saint Alphonsus is a proud affiliate of Trinity Health, one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation. Trinity Health serves people and communities in 22 states from coast to coast with 94 hospitals and 126 continuing care facilities, home health and hospice programs, and PACE center locations that provide more than 2.5 million visits annually. To find out more go to www.saintalphonsus.org.
About The Treasure Valley Family YMCA
Established in 1891, the Treasure Valley Family YMCA (the Y) is a cause-driven, nonprofit organization that works to strengthen the foundation of our community by developing successful youth, engaging people in healthy living and instilling a commitment to social responsibility. Annually, we operate over 100 programs that serve 110,000 youth and families throughout our 4 facilities, 440-acre summer camp, and 23 child development sites. We believe all people deserve the chance to achieve their highest potential; therefore, we do not turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. The Treasure Valley Family YMCA provides over $4 million in financial assistance every year so all may participate in our life-changing programs and services.