JCPenney Afterschool Fund Supports YMCA's Efforts to Improve Health of Kids and Families

JCPenney Afterschool Fund Supports YMCA's Efforts to Improve Health of Kids and Families

YMCA to Receive Portion of $2.5 Million National Grant During September 15 Celebration

LYNNWOOD, Wash., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of overweight children and teens has more than doubled in the last 20 years. To help address this growing crisis, the JCPenney Afterschool Fund is awarding grants totaling $2.5 million to 20 YMCAs across the nation in support of YMCA Activate America(TM), a long-term initiative intended to find real solutions for the national health crisis related to poor nutrition and lack of physical activity facing millions of American children and adults.

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is receiving a $25,000 grant; a symbolic giant check will be awarded during a festive, family-friendly celebration at a Beverly Elementary School in Lynnwood, where new, research-based programs -- designed to increase youth physical activity, improve nutrition and help families develop healthier habits -- are being piloted with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Harvard University.

WHAT: JCPenney Alderwood Store Manager will present YMCA CEO and kids
with a check for $25,000 to support local involvement in YMCA
Activate America, an initiative to find solutions for growing
the national lifestyle health crisis.

WHEN: September 15, 2005, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Community yoga, with 20 children
participating
5:35 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Presentation of check and "Kids
Challenge" by Beverly Elementary
School students to JCPenney employees
5:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Kids and families prepare healthy make
and take dinner

WHERE: Beverly Elementary School
5221 168th SW
Lynnwood, Washington

WHO: Neil Nicoll: President and CEO of YMCA of Greater Seattle
Ralph Rutledge: JCPenney Alderwood Store Manager
YMCA School Age Child Care Participants and Families

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports programs designed to keep kids safely and constructively engaged during out-of-school time. The Fund's contributions allow for the creation and continuance of after school programs aimed at the academic, physical, and social development of children throughout the United States. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund also works to raise awareness of the benefits of after school

programming, and is committed to ensuring that every child has access to the world of opportunities that awaits them after school.

The Shoreline/South County Family YMCA provides community members a caring environment, positive role models, creative activities and opportunities to serve the needs of others. Serving more than 10,000 people annually, it is a vital facility in the YMCA of Greater Seattle. With a 129-year tradition of helping all people reach their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body, the YMCA of Greater Seattle is the oldest human service organization in Washington State, a committed youth and family organization and an integral part of Shoreline and south Snohomish County.

Source: YMCA of Greater Seattle

CONTACT: Monica Elenbaas of YMCA of Greater Seattle, +1-206-382-5020, or
on-site cell, +1-206-605-7445; or Carla Hilderbrand of Shoreline/South County
Family YMCA, +1-206-364-1700

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Profile: education