MUSKOKA – Organizers of the 2012 Muskoka Novel Marathon surpassed their fundraising goal for the YMCA, raising the most funds to date.
When Nancy West, team leader with YMCA Employment and Literacy Services in Huntsville, learned she would be receiving $15,000 for her programs, she was nearly in a state of shock.
“I am thrilled with the amount of money that the Novel Marathon raised this year,” she said. “It blew away our most optimistic expectations. It is wonderful to have a group of writers, who are so skilled with the English language, want to help those who struggle with basic reading.”
The donation will allow the YMCA to expand its programs.
“We can get creative and really address the needs out there. For instance, we continually have seniors coming into the centre looking for affordable basic computer training,” said West. “We are able to offer this training – which is always full with a waiting list – solely through fundraised dollars.”
Through donated funds, the YMCA is developing a computer-learning lab for low-literacy learners.
“Easy-to-use visual menus will guide tutors and learners alike to an absolute wealth of websites geared to teaching math and English at various levels,” said West. “Countless hours of research have already gone into finding the richest, most interactive sites that, quite simply, make learning fun. What happens next will depend on where the gaps in training are, but we know that the YMCA can tackle those needs thanks to the generosity of the marathoners and their sponsors.”
Huntsville writer Karen Wehrstein, who co-convenes the event with fellow Huntsville writer Paula Boon, is also ecstatic about the event’s success.
“To put it in perspective, previous to last year the marathon maxed at about $6,000,” Wehrstein said. “Last year we set a goal of $10,000, and raised about $8,600. This year we topped that $10,000 goal by 50 per cent.”
Wehrstein attributes the increase to the addition of online donating, an increased number of participating writers and a greater energy and enthusiasm among the writers in 2012. The money is collected through writers gathering pledges.
The Novel Marathon took place mid-July. Collectively, writers produced over 815,000 words in 72 hours, and most submitted manuscripts to the judges to compete for Best Novel honours.
The prize for that includes a chance to have the manuscript seen by a publisher and a literary agent. The winners will be announced on Sept. 22.
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