YMCA Strong Kids Campaign Takes to the Roof

Paige Funkhouser of the Fish Creek Visitor Center on the roof of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Boutique making a phone call to a kind donor of the YMCA Summer Strong Kids Campaign.

On August 7, the Northern Door branch of the Door County YMCA wrapped up their two-week fundraising effort to support their annual Strong Kids Campaign by raising over $30,000. Strong Kids is a scholarship fund, which exists to provide financial assistance to anyone in need so that all can make use of YMCA programming and facilities.

This important fundraising effort culminated August 7 in an exciting fashion with Northern Door YMCA Director, Matt Luders, on the roof of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Boutique in Sister Bay, known worldwide as “the restaurant with the goats on the roof.” Luders could not leave the roof until the campaign goal was achieved and fortunately he was able to come down by 3:30 pm. “I have to admit, I was nervous heading onto the roof.” Luders said, “But Door County proved it again. We have such a wonderful and generous community that really values organizations like the YMCA. Thank you Door County.”

Local Door County celebrities and YMCA supporters also joined Luders on the roof to help raise support throughout the day, including Patti Podgers of Door County Daily News who broadcasted her weekly morning radio talk show from the roof. Others joining Luders on the roof included Dick Skare, Sharon Grutzmacher, Digger Degroot, Lisa Iverson, Bill Perloff and more. Other events throughout the two-week fundraising campaign included a hot dog lunch, car wash and a silent auction at the Northern Door Program Center. All gifts for the silent auction were donated kindly by local businesses.

If you would like to pledge your support to the Door County YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, please contact Cindy Weber at 920.743.4949.