ArtPrize 2010 at the David D. Hunting YMCA
The David D. Hunting YMCA will be hosting 22 artists this year during ArtPrize 2010. Click here to see more on the exhibits at the YMCA.

The Trip of A Lifetime -  Dwayne's Notes
Each day, Dwayne Moore, Community Impact Director will be posting details about the days events for the days leading up to and the actual trip.  Check in each day and find out what the team has done.


July 9, 2010 - We arrrived!  Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity.  Once we arrived in California we were greeted by RBI reprsentatives, then taken on bus to the Unviersity which we will be calling home for the next few days.  Each boy was fitted for his uniform (like the pros) and given their room assignments.  Opening ceremoies were very cool, they boys are just estatic, you just can't believe how excited they are.  This morning they are headed out to their first game.  They are so PUMPED.

July 8, 2010 - Well, today is THE day.  In just a few minutes we will be boarding the plane and heading out.  I wish I could describe the excitement of these boys...and us adults too!  It really is a dream come true.  For many of our team members, it is the first time they have ever flown on a plane.  I really am proud of them.  They have been practicing so hard and are ready to "Play Ball".  Right now they are all lined up with their matching shirts, matching bags, and matching smiles.  They really look like a team.  Well, they are calling our plane now, so off we go.  Next time we chat we will be in California!

July 5, 2010 - Today I got the Nike team bags for each kid.  It's hard to believe that in just a few days I will be at the airport with the entire team lined up in a row. The boys are finishing a few games this week and our final parent meeting is tomorrow. 

July 4, 2010 - As I caught the MLB All-Star lineup, it suddenly hit me that we are going to be there later this week, WOW! I think I am getting as excited as the boys are. Everything is falling into place. On Tuesday we are shipping out the boys cleats (donated by MC Sports, thank you) along with their gloves and socks. When you are traveling with 12 - 11/12 year old boys and two coaches, you want to pack as light as you can. There is still plenty of opportunity for you to get involved by helping us raise spending money for our kids. Call or e-mail me 616.855.9662 or dmoore@grymca.org.

July 2, 2010 - Our guys are practing hard every day getting ready to head to Califorina representing our West Michgian Whitecaps Inner City Baseball program.  Thansk to the generous support of the community, each boy has a very nice Nike duffle bag and cleats along with a Whitecaps backpack.  We are still working on raising spending money for our kids.  If you are able to help, call me at 616.855.9662 or e-mail dmoore@grymca.org.


The YMCA is giving 12 young baseball players a chance of a lifetime and you can help us make sure all their dreams come true! Find out how by clicking here http://bit.ly/8YIsCT

The YMCA in partnership with the West Michigan Whitecaps and the Inner-City Youth Baseball Program will be taking 12 young baseball players to Anaheim ,California July 8th -13th.  During this trip these 11 and 12 year old boys will have the opportunity to play in a tournament against other boys their age from around the nation. They will also get to participate in all events leading up to the Major League’s All-Star Game.  Several of these children will be traveling for the first and lack traveling essentials. The YMCA wants to assure this will be a trip of a lifetime for them.  Call Dwayne Moore at 616.855.9662 to find out how you can help.



Low Cost Health Insurance for Your Children
As a mother of two, I know what it is like to worry about my children's health and the cost of health insurance. That is why I am excited to announce that the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is now an assisting agency for the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This federally funded health insurance program is known in Michigan as MIChild/Healthy Kids.

There are many reasons your child may not have health insurance coverage. Perhaps you have recently lost your job, you don't have health insurance at work, or it simply costs too much. Whatever the reason, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) office at the David D Hunting YMCA may be able to help, even if you have been turned down in the past. The best part is, depending on the program you are accepted for, it can cost as little as $10.00 per month, or it could be free. You will be able to choose a health plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, or Grand Valley Health-whatever works best with your needs.

You do your best to keep your kids safe, but illness and accidents are a part of life. Enroll in the Children's Health Insurance Program at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and gain peace of mind knowing you have the coverage when you need it.

The Children's Health Insurance Program does much more than cover urgent health needs. Children that are enrolled can get regular check-ups, dental care, immunizations, prescription drugs, and more.

Thousands of families are eligible for low-cost health insurance for their children and don't know it. Please call us today to schedule an appointment at 616.855.9686. The application process is simple and confidential. You may apply over the phone, or you may schedule an appointment to come in to our offices at 475 Lake Michigan Dr, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.

Best regards,

Deborah MacDonald
Children's Health Insurance Program Director

Guest Pass Policy
The YMCA is a membership driven organization. We want our members to enjoy their membership and have ample access to equipment and facilities. Guests are welcome to use our YMCA at any time unless designated by the branch.

Each member is welcome to bring one guest per visit. Each guest may visit two times in a calendar year as long as they are accompanied by the member.

Guests must…
• be accompanied by a YMCA member.
• have photo identification such as driver’s license or school id.
• pay the daily guest pass fee of $20 per family or $10 per adult or $5 per youth under age 18.
• carry their photo identification with them at all times.
• wear the neon green wristband while in the facility.
• adhere to the YMCA Code of Conduct.

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