ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The Albany Area YMCA held its Annual Campaign Kickoff Dinner Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Event Center at Northwest Library.

This year’s theme, “No Place Like This Place,” ties into the YMCA’s national 175th anniversary celebration. The organization’s 2026 fundraising goal is $120,000: Funding will go to support local programs that serve more than 12,000 people each year across Albany and Lee County.

The dinner highlighted the Y’s work in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, while calling on community partners to help expand services.

Community support central to campaign

Tony Duckworth, President and CEO of the Albany Area YMCA, said outside funding is essential to meeting the organization’s needs.

“We can’t do it alone,” Duckworth said. “Of course, we have a revenue stream of, you know, those individuals that pay their memberships to those that pay for childcare and sports programming. But at the end of the day, we have to have community partners and individuals that are willing to give sacrificially and help us meet the needs that we have.”

Several community members were also recognized at the event for their contributions to the organization.

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