For the fourth consecutive year, the Lakewood Family YMCA took first place in Rally for the Y, raising $78,490 in February to help provide free memberships to children in foster care.
Every February, YMCAs across the globe compete in Rally for the Y, a fundraiser that earns 10 cents for every mile ridden on an Expresso bike. For long-time Lakewood Y member Steve Hibbs, Rally is about coming together as a community to make a positive impact. He has seen how the Y has directly benefitted his community and is committed to ensuring people have access to the Y. Remarkably, Lakewood had 20 riders raise over $1,000 in 2026.
“This rally, to be involved in it, you can sense the unity and everybody pulling in one direction. Staff, members, people in the community, businesses, all coming together. I feel like I am part of something much bigger than myself,” Steve said.
Katie, a group exercise instructor at the Mel Korum Family YMCA, started her first Rally with a friend, “for some healthy competition,” and to help support youth programs like Teen Late Nite.
The Mel Korum Family YMCA came in fourth place, raising $18,933.
Also participating in Rally was the University Y Student Center, which brought home $1,813. Dylan, a student and former youth in foster care, was motivated by the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties’ commitment to providing every youth in foster care with a free membership. He rode 1,000 miles on his own.
A Y For All
What makes the Rally special is that anyone can participate. Through riding, pledging to support a rider, or donating to your local center, individuals and businesses can tap into the community spirit and help their neighbors gain access to the Y.
Every dollar raised during Rally contributes to the Y’s Compassion in Action fundraising campaign, which helps provide financial assistance to individuals and families who may be facing financial barriers. In 2025, the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties raised a total of $2.5 million and provided more than $3.7 million in financial assistance.
If you missed out on Rally, you can still give to the Compassion in Action fundraiser. Between now and April 12, we are trying to raise $1.25 million to continue providing access to life-changing programs.