Press release from The YMCA of Western North Carolina:
Asheville, N.C., Sept. 12, 2017 – The YMCA of Western North Carolina will join Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide to celebrate Welcoming Week Sept. 15-24. Local Ys will host free events to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity.
YMCA of WNC locations are also celebrating Welcoming Week by inviting the public to try the Y for free from Sept. 15-24. People can choose from hundreds of group exercise and water fitness classes, with no limit on the number of visits. New members who commit to 12 months of membership during Welcoming Week pay no joining fee.
“At the YMCA of Western North Carolina, we believe our community is stronger when everyone feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,” said Paul Vest, president and CEO of the YMCA of WNC. “Welcoming Week is an opportunity for neighbors – both immigrants and U.S.-born residents – to connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values – all for a better us.”
During Welcoming Week, the YMCA of WNC will host several free community events, including:
- Healthy Aging Day, Sept. 18, 9 a.m. to noon, Reuter Family Y
- Multicultural Potluck Lunch, Sept. 20, noon to 1 p.m., Reuter Family Y
- Family Movie Night screening of “Zootopia,” 8 p.m., Hendersonville Family Y
- Dance classes that feature traditional dances from around the world
- Group exercise spotlight on classes that are derived from other cultures and countries, such as Zumba, yoga, and tai chi
“Communities recognize the benefits of being welcoming and ensuring that everyone can fully contribute to a community’s prosperity,” said David Lubell, founder and executive director of Welcoming America. “Welcoming Week events are a powerful way to promote cross-cultural understanding and build bridges between new and long-time residents, which results in stronger communities for all.”
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