February 25, 2016

Zoe For President: New Candidate Announces Her Run for Commander in Chief In 2064

YMCA of the USA organizes Zoe for President, symbolizing the potential the Y sees in all children

CHICAGO, Feb. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) launched Zoe for President, a campaign to elect a one-year-old girl as our nation's Commander in Chief…in 2064. The campaign highlights the potential the Y sees in all kids to grow up and change the world if they're nurtured properly and supported along the way. Through Y initiatives like childcare, academic enrichment, mentorship, college prep, job training, and more, kids have the opportunities to succeed, grow, and one day, maybe even become president. The Y aims to impart the values of what it means to achieve—how hard work, determination, perseverance and character can drive someone to success beyond what they thought possible.

Like all candidates, Zoe has her own campaign website, ZoeForPresident.net, where users can donate to her campaign, watch videos of her stance on issues and shop for swag. When users donate to Zoe's campaign, they are donating to their local Y and supporting the programs and services that enable kids like Zoe to thrive from childhood to old age.

"While Zoe for President is a breath of fresh air during a heated campaign cycle, every child, regardless of background, needs support and guidance to reach their full potential," said Kevin Washington, president and CEO, YMCA of the USA. "Our campaign will address actual issues that America's communities are faced with each day like access to early childhood education, safe space, meal assistance, and the Y's role in solving the challenges head on."

The Y collaborated with New York City-based creative agency Droga5 to produce the concept. The TV spots will air on multiple networks including CNN, HLN, TNT, and TBS among others. To view the spots, please visit ZoeForPresident.net. Digitally, The Y will advertise with The New York Times, YouTube, Twitter, as well as a number of other online properties.

Zoe for President is the second phase of the Y's For a better us.™ campaign, a multi-year, multi-faceted effort to engage more people with the Y and its mission as a nonprofit. Earlier this year, the Y launched two powerful television commercials, Places and Idle Hands, each spotlighting a different problem communities in America face today. Both spots closed with the Y's work nonprofit work on the ground, engaging and enriching kids and families through safe spaces, mentorship, education, meal programs and more.

For more information about the Y, and to donate, visit ZoeForPresident.net             

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits, which strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background, nurturing the potential of children and teens, improving the nation's health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support the community. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to also deliver lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

Contacts:
Heather Fox 
WME|IMG  



example of banner ad run in the New York Times on March 1, 2016: