The Schneps Media family raised money to support a worthy cause: the borough’s youth.
Victoria Schneps, president and publisher of Schneps Media, the parent company of the Bronx Times Reporter, visited the Bronx YMCA on Friday, July 12 to present a $1,600 donation to the Y’s summer youth camp programming.
The funds were raised at the annual Bronx Times’ Bronx Power Women in Business awards raffle, which took place in June.
Schneps stated it was her treat to visit the Bronx YMCA to present them with a check to help them further their programs for children.
“The $1,600 raised at our Bronx Power Women event I know will have a great impact because of the powerful work of the YMCA,” said Schneps. “We are delighted to help them in their mission to serve the community, as is our community media group.“
Joining Schneps in making the gift to support the Y’s summer camp was Bronx Times publisher Laura Guerriero.
“When asked by Victoria Schneps, owner of the Schneps Media and the Bronx Times Reporter, what organization I would like to donate the proceeds of the Bronx Power Women in Business raffle to, I immediately thought of the Bronx YMCA,” said Guerriero. “I have served on the Bronx YMCA Board Managers for several years mainly because this organization truly enhances the lives of our Bronx children.”
Guerriero said that generous donation will “enable one or more Bronx children to experience summer camp at the Bronx YMCA.”
Sharlene Brown, executive director of the Bronx YMCA, said that the donated funds would be used to provide scholarships for children to attend summer camp programming at the YMCA, which is located at 2 Castle Hill Avenue.
Brown said she thanked Schneps Media and said that the children met with its president to express their gratitude and present her with cards they had made.
The ages of summer camp youth run from four-years-old to 16-years-old, and many camps are geared towards different themes such as swimming, teen and science camps, said Brown.
There is also camp programming for children with special needs, she said.
“Camps keep kids engaged in physical activities, improve academics, and enhance social and emotional skills,” said Brown. “Every day they learn something new and have fun.”
One of the most important aspects of the Bronx YMCA’s summer camp programming is aquatic safety, with the executive director noting that every time a camper gets into the facility’s pool, a swimming lesson that enhances both skill and self-esteem is part of that experience.
“Children get in the pool at least twice a week, (and) every time a child gets in the pool, there are lessons,” said Brown.
Summer camp, typically offered at two-week intervals, cost $450 per child.
“This is crucial at this time because children need a safe place to be in the summer,” she said. “It keeps them off the street and places them in an environment where they are learning and growing.”
