ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YMCA Arlington will host its Annual Membership Appreciation Picnic on September 21st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the YMCA Arlington Branch grounds as part of a nation-wide initiative known as “Welcoming Week.” The week-long event celebrates the contributions of immigrants to our various communities, and strives to bring all residents together in a spirit of unity through a series of community events taking place September 14-23.
The picnic is free and open to the public. There will be an assortment of family fun that include free food, lawn games, a magic show, and various activities that are sure to keep your loved ones entertained all evening. Attendees are also welcome to join a free 90 minute cycle class that begins at 6:30 p.m. Spaces are limited, so make sure you get there early.
“Over the years, over 200 participants have brought their friends and family to the Membership Appreciation Picnic, and this year should be no different, said Michael Anderson, YMCA Arlington Membership Director. “The Y is all about community and fun, and this picnic is truly a community event. It’s open to public and hundreds of people come out, which gives them a chance to explore all the Y has to offer. What a perfect event for Welcoming Week,” said Anderson.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington joins hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide in partnership with Welcoming America for Welcoming Week. All activities are open to the public and include dance and cultural cooking classes. During this annual series of events, communities bring together immigrants, refugees, and native-born residents to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone into the United States. In 2017, more than 700 events took place around the country.
“At the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, we believe the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome, and we all work together for the common good,” said Carson Henry, Executive Director of YMCA of Metropolitan Washington Youth & Family Services.
“We are proud to be a part of Welcoming Week, which demonstrates that in places large and small, rural and urban, people of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger communities. This is a time to celebrate the shared values that unite us as neighbors, parents and colleagues, and to make our towns more welcoming to newcomers and to everyone who calls our community home,” said Kristy McCarron, YMCA of Metropolitan Washington Healthy Eating Specialist.
During Welcoming Week, some of the branch events include:
YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase
9401 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814
September 12, 2018 - International Potluck
To register contact the branch at (301) 530-3725
YMCA Anthony Bowen
1325 W St NW, Washington, DC 20009
September 15th – Dining for Cultures
To register contact the branch at (202) 232-6936
YMCA Arlington
3422 13th St N, Arlington, VA 22201
September 17th & 18th – Around the World Tennis Tournament
To register contact the program center at (703) 525-5420
YMCA Silver Spring
9800 Hastings Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20901
September 19th – African Dance Class
To register contact the branch at (301) 585-2120
“These events are part of a powerful and growing movement in our country and around the world, demonstrating that communities want to be welcoming,” said Rachel Peric, Executive Director of Welcoming America. “Welcoming Week is a reminder of the resilient and inclusive spirit of American communities. Thousands of local leaders nationwide are bringing their communities together to bridge divides and build stronger local economies where everyone belongs.”
For detailed information on Welcoming Activities and schedules, please visit www.ymcadc.org/welcoming-week.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net
About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week, founded by Welcoming America, is an annual celebration bringing together thousands of people and hundreds of local events that celebrate the contributions of immigrants and refugees and the role communities play to foster greater welcome. Welcoming Week is Sept. 14-23 across the country and now expanding to other parts of the world.
Welcoming America is leading a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by making everyone who lives there feel like they belong. Welcoming America believes that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of both our communities and our shared future. www.welcomingamerica.org.
Contact: Dana Rucker
Association Director of Communications
YMCA of Metropolitan Washington
(202) 868-3004
dana.rucker@ymcadc.org