The YMCA of Greater Seattle raised more dollars in 2009 during its annual Partners With Youth (PWY) Campaign than in 2008. Given the economic conditions, YMCA officials consider the effort a remarkable feat.

The YMCA’s 2009 goal of $4.4 million was two percent higher than the previous year’s.

Locally, the Lake Heights Family YMCA raised $207,000 as part of the overall campaign.

PWY Campaign Chair Carolyn Kelly says that the community stepped up because it recognized that in tough times, the YMCA is more important than ever.

“It’s clear that many people heard our message that even in these tough times, we would not waver from our commitment to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. And they responded by donating generously and asking others to do the same,” Kelly said.

From November through early April, 1,500 YMCA volunteers raised just over $4.4 million from more than 12,000 individual donors, more than 1,200 of whom contributed through an online fundraising tool the YMCA implemented this year. The PWY Campaign also benefitted from increased business support from companies like Group Health, Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Safeco and Washington Mutual. According to Kelly, 95 cents of every dollar raised through the PWY Campaign goes directly to programs.

The Coal Creek Family YMCA in Newcastle is slated to open this fall.