SANFORD — Ask Andy Orazio, the director of the Sanford Springvale YMCA, and he’ll tell you: The folks who stepped up to the plate to kick off the annual fundraising campaign are champions in his book.

The annual giving campaign is aimed at kids, providing scholarships that help them take part in YMCA activities and programs that their families otherwise couldn’t afford. The scholarships can help pay for such programs as a YMCA membership or program, or result in reduced childcare fees, swim team fees and the like.

This year, with a healthy financial boost from the 10 corporate “champions,” along with additional corporate and individual support, $52,000 was realized.

The fundraising was accomplished through a new program as the YMCA sought the community’s help to ensure kids who wanted to take part in Y activities could do so. Called the Champions Supporter Program, the 10 businesses that contributed $1,500, $2,500 or $5,000 all earn a banner with their logo hung in the Y, among other incentives like admission to the annual golf tournament and more.

Recognized as champions were Sanford Springvale Rotary Club, Wasco, H.A. Mapes, Evonik, Genest Concrete, Kennebunk Savings Bank, George R. Roberts Co., Acton Veterinary Clinic, Sanford Institution for Savings and York County Federal Credit Union.

Shawn Marsh of Evonik said the Champion Supporter campaign was a way to inject some energy into the annual campaign. The company has been a long-time supporter, dating back to its formation as Cyro Industries.

Chris Magnuson of Wasco, the skylight manufacturer now located in Wells, but with deep roots in Sanford, where it was first established, stood in the Y chatting with the others Thursday. Many of those taking part are long-time supporters, as is his company. He pointed down the hallway, noting that under his father Gus Magnuson’s tenure at Wasco, a room was named for the company in the YMCA.

Orazio said the YMCA, through its scholarship fund, provided $118,000 in 2013 to help people take part in YMCA programs and activities.

He said the YMCA serves more than 10,000 people annually, from Sanford and the surrounding area.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].