Thanks to its members, staff and board of managers, the Suffolk Family YMCA met its fundraising goal for its “We Build People” campaign in half its allotted time.

“We have all year to meet our goal but wanted to meet it by June,” YMCA district Vice President Rick Matthews said. “Our goal was $135,000, so to have surpassed that is incredible.”

More than $136,000 has been raised to help provide financial assistance to Suffolk YMCA members.

“The money helps people afford memberships, programs, summer camps and before- and after-school programs,” Matthews said.

The campaign is done by personal pledges by community members and businesses.

“It’s all the community,” Matthews said. “YMCA members, our board of volunteers helped raise money, we have personal pledges by staff, our board and community partnership pledges. Our members are great.”

While the Suffolk Family YMCA has met its goal each year, members kicked things into overdrive this year.

“We had 150 more pledges this year than last year,” Matthews said. “It demonstrates their commitment to help serve the community. They’re truly giving with their hearts.”

In comparison to many other YMCAs in Hampton Roads, Suffolk has one of the largest needs.

“We live in a community where our financial assistance is needed,” Matthews said. “Suffolk is one of the largest providers and has one of the largest goals, but we have one of the biggest needs. We continue to meet that need, thanks to our members. This is a very community-based effort. They know the money stays here in Suffolk and is touching real families and real children in Suffolk.”