FLORENCE, Ariz. – Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu presented the Copper Basin YMCA with a $10,000 check for a new campaign geared towards supporting area youth.

The strong Kids Campaign started back in January 2012 and through the help of over 70 volunteers, the Copper Basin Family YMCA has been raising the dollars needed to better the San Tan Valley community.

Sheriff Babeu pictured presenting a check for $10,000 to Mackuse surrounded by youth members of the Copper Basin YMCA.

After receiving a letter from Lucy Mackuse, Operations Director with the Copper Basin YMCA, asking PCSO to get involved, Sheriff Babeu decided to match the YMCA’s fundraising efforts for the program up to $10,000 using seized criminal money under the RICO statue.

According to Mackuse, the Copper Basin Family YMCA has been reaching out to the community in hopes of raising $68,000 to cover the subsidies they provide for families, adults and seniors to participate in programs that they could not afford otherwise.

On July 2, 2012, Sheriff Babeu presented a check for $10,000 to Mackuse.

“Donations like the one we just received from Sheriff Babeu and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office enables us to provide assistance and not turn anyone away due to inability to pay.” Mackuse said. “Through Sheriff’s Babeu’s matching challenge, we were able to raise an additional $8,408.00 that we would not have had the opportunity to do so without his support!”

Sheriff Babeu said, “The YMCA fills a significant need for programs, activities and recreation in San Tan Valley directed towards youth and our families. I’m pleased to use money derived from criminal actions to support such healthy and positive programming for our San Tan Valley youth and families.”