YMWCA OF NEWARK AND VICINITY

600 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
973.624.8900

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Y Says Goodbye To Community Champion, Congressman Donald Payne

March 20, 2012

Last week, the Newark YMCA family paid last respects to our friend and champion, Congressman Donald Payne. The Congressman’s funeral procession drove slowly past the front of the YMCA after the funeral Wednesday afternoon, where scores of members, staff and guests of the Newark Y assembled to honor the Congressman and the Payne family. From board members to the children who benefitted from his advocacy, the Newark Y family collectively said a final goodbye to the man who has worked tirelessly on their behalf.

Congressman Payne, from his early days as Youth Director at the Newark Y to his strong leadership on the organization’s Board of Trustees, spent his life enriching the lives of the youth of our community. His example offered hope to many who would not otherwise have had a vision for their future. And his tenacious work in support of the rights of those who struggled -- whether on Broad Street or in Darfur -- inspired all those who met him.

As an honoree at the Y’s 2010 Leaders and Legends dinner , Congressman Payne was recognized for his deep commitment to the children and families of Newark through his work in Congress as well as his local involvement with the Y and its programs. His efforts to make sure that all children who wanted and needed Y programs had access to them were unparalled. “Congressman Payne was committed to making sure that money was not a barrier to a child who needed us. Swimming lessons, teen leadership groups, summer camp – he wanted to see every child have these opportunities, regardless of their family resources.” said Michael C. Bright, President and CEO of the Newark Y. “We are deeply saddened. Congressman Payne leaves a tremendous void, but we will work hard to keep his legacy of hope alive.”

Congressman Payne’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:

YMCA of Newark and Vicinity, 600 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102

ATTN: The Congressman Donald M. Payne Memorial Fund.

To donate online, click here.

For more information about the Fund, please contact Elizabeth Lorenzo at973-624-8900 ext. 6827 or elorenzo@newarkymca.org.

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