Dodge Ballers Have Fun, Support Swim for Change

GenYWCA, the YWCA of Minneapolis' young-supporters group, held its latest event, Dodge Ball and Game Night, this past Friday night, joining a fun group of YWCA members who play dodge ball each week. About 45 young professionals attended and were split into three teams. Check out the photos we've posted on our Facebook page. It's been about 15 years since I've played dodge ball. But, as I found myself lingering towards the back of the court so that I didn't get hit too hard, I realized my heart was racing and I was grinning from ear to ear, just like in seventh grade.

Each guest donated $10, which will benefit the YWCA's Swim for Change program, a program that helps combat health disparities in our community by teaching children and youth the joy of swimming. I was thrilled to see that so many of the members went out of their way to donate to the program as well. Thank you! Together, we were able to collect enough to support 16 weeks of swimming lessons for one youth in Swim for Change! It's been so rewarding to support a different, important program at each of our GenYWCA events.Dodge ballers took a break from their games and headed to the community room for socializing and delicious pizza donated by Old Chicago. They also played Jenga, Twister and Bop It for the chance to win $5 gift cards donated by Caribou Coffee and Spyhouse. Participants found facts about the Swim for Change program around the room for the chance to win an iPod Shuffle. Did you know that Minnesota has the largest disparity in drowning rates between African-Americans and whites in the country? Luckily, the YWCA is working to change that statistic. (Congrats to Cody -- enjoy your new Shuffle!)Hopefully, we'll see some of the dodge ballers from Friday night at our future events. Their next opportunity will be Thursday, June 28, 5:30-7:30 pm at the Downtown YWCA, when we hold our Second Annual Rooftop Fitness Social! All are welcome. Follow the YWCA on Facebook to stay in the loop for more information. We look forward to seeing you at future events!If you wish to be on our GenYWCA email list or become more involved, email Sarah Raser.