YWCA celebrating its 100th year, launches $1.5 million fundraiser

The YWCA is hosting a centennial birthday celebration Thursday and launching a public phase of a $1.5 million fundraising campaign.

The celebration is set for the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Luncheon tickets are $55 per person and can be purchased at ywcatucson.org

The YWCA has lead the fight for social and economic justice in Southern Arizona for 100 years, organizers said in a news release.

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Leaders of the organization say among its accomplishments are having the first bilingual workforce education programs designed by and for women, the first public pool to offer swimming lessons for children of color, and the first housing program for domestic-violence survivors.

The organization is seeking to raise $1 million for the Women’s Impact Fund to level the playing field for women in the private sector, said Kelly Fryer, chief executive officer of the YWCA Southern Arizona.

“Women are driving economic development in Arizona and we are stepping up our advocacy and focusing on our mission to eliminate racism and empower women by making sure that training, funding and resources are available,” Fryer said.

The group is also raising $500,000 for the Stand Together Arizona Training & Advocacy Center. The center supports local, grass-roots movements to advance legislative strategy to improve lives in Arizona, said Fryer.