Stories of the life-changing influence and opportunities provided by the YMCA of Greater Brandywine resounded throughout the innovative halls of the West Chester firm Communications Test Design Inc., whose president and chief operating officer, Leo Parsons, is spearheading the effort to raise money this year for another $1.3 million worth of inspirational testimonies.

“That’s why we’re here, to make sure there are more great Y stories and to ensure that all kids and families have the chance to be healthy and strong, have a place to be active and encouraged on their journey without the roadblock of cost,” YMCA Board Chair Bob Shope said at the campaign kickoff event last week.

Those stories find their way onto paper despite Chester County’s overall prosperity through the YMCA’s vital water safety lessons that reached thousands of children in 2015, new fun-filled and character-building adventures at summer camp that touched 1 out of 10 kids who would have otherwise been home alone, and much more.

“For me, it’s the kids,” Parsons said. “Every child in the county needs access to learn to swim or go to camp or be with other families and kids in a safe environment. I didn’t realize until my wife, Maryanne, started taking our own kids to the Y all of the services the Y provides and the impact it can have on a family. All of this made me think even more that this is where I really want to be involved and have an impact.”

Learn more about the life-changing impact of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine and how you can help the campaign write more million-dollar stories here.