This year’s Boothbay Region YMCA Annual Fund Drive co-chairmen have been involved with the local organization for decades.

John and Jane Lunt of Southport began their association in the early 1970s through their daughters’ participation in the local Y’s swim program and attending Camp Knickerbocker. After they retired, the couple began using the Y’s facility for exercise. Now the Lunts - John, 75, and Jane, 71 - are co-chairing the Y’s Annual Fund Drive.

The Lunts will be using their knowledge of the facility and community in advising the local Y’s fundraising efforts. Last year, the Annual Fund Drive exceeded its $300,000 goal, according to BRYMCA Executive Director Andy Hamblett.

This week, the Annual Fund Drive kicks off its “Pay It Forward” themed-initiative by sending out over 700 letters. Y officials hope the theme inspires a classic sense of one receiving a good deed to repay it through another act of kindness.

Hamblett believes those looking to “Pay It Forward” that the Y is an ideal venue. He described as the local Y as the local conduit for meeting the community’s needs through volunteerism.

Hamblett said there are many ways besides financially the community can contribute to the fund drive.

“We are getting a lot of public participation,” he said. “We get our share of large contribution, but we also get smaller ones from kids who operate a lemonade stand. They contribute $3-$5 and all those smaller contributions are significant. They all really add up in the end.”

As chairmen, the Lunts will be responsible for telling how the Y impacted their lives. John is an avid walker. He walks three miles per day at the local Y.

“Even on a bright, sunny day, he still walks at the Y,” said Jane Lunt.

John Lunt prefers to walk indoors for two reasons. First, he avoids flies and mosquitoes. And second, he walks each day with a bunch of regulars.

“It’s very enjoyable,” said John Lunt. “Over the years, I’ve walked with a regular group. On days when the daily schedule didn’t fit with theirs, I walked with others, and found it just as enjoyable, too.”

Jane Lunt likes her husband using the Y for walking. She asks him to watch to see who is playing tennis.

“I want to know who is playing and how well they are hitting the ball,” joked Jane Lunt.

Besides tennis, Jane Lunt participates in low-impact aerobics classes and uses the weight room. John Lunt said the local Y has helped the couple to “exercise to remain fit and healthy.”

The Y is also a place their two daughters and grandchildren swim during visits and vacations.

John Lunt served on the Y’s board of directors for six years. He believes the annual fund drive provides essential funding to those in financial need.

“The Y is committed to not turning anybody away,” John Lunt said. “The program provides financial assistance for those in need. Without it, the Y couldn’t afford to do this.”

The Annual Fund Drive takes place primarily in the summer. The Y staff first reaches out to the 24-member board of directors, then staff, and finally a letter campaign to the public.

“The Y is really a big part of the community. No one seems to take the Annual Fund Drive for granted. So it’s really nice to see public donations and participation so strong each year,’ said new BRYMCA Director of Development Lisa Van Dyk.

The Lunts also recalled another strong family connection to the Y. John’s mother participated in the Y’s Coastal Club until her death in 2009.

“She was 99 when she died, but she always enjoyed participating in the Coastal Club,” said John Lunt. “The ladies would get together for a program and refreshments. And she always loved coming to the Y.”

John Lunt’s mother enjoyed the Y so much that when she could no longer drive she donated her car to the Y.

In December, the Y will send more letters to thank those who contributed and remind those who haven’t there is still time. Van Dyk said it’s not uncommon for the Y to receive donations in December. She said some people prefer to contribute at the year’s end.

If you would like to donate to the Y’s Annual Fund you can mail a check to - Boothbay Region YMCA, P.O. Box 500, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 or online at: http://www.boothbayregionymca.org/