The YMCA of Rowan County honored volunteers and updated the community on its finances and fundraising campaigns at its annual meeting Monday.

YMCA of Rowan County provided $733,529 in membership and program assistance to those who couldn’t normally afford to take part in YMCA activities such as camps, sports and after-school activities, as well as gym memberships.

“The YMCA never turns anyone away for the inability to pay,” said Jamie Morgan, CEO of YMCA of Rowan County.

Morgan said that while the YMCA is a gym and swim center, its primary goal of the YMCA is to solve community issues. The facilities and equipment are just “tools” to change lives.

He said the YMCA can’t do it alone, so they seek out partnerships with businesses and organizations like the school system, United Way and Novant Health.

YMCA of Rowan County brought in just over $5 million last year. The organization’s total expenses were about $5.09 million, leaving a deficit of $86,673.

The number of members increased at each branch during 2013, with a total increase of 568 members in Rowan County.

The local branches kicked off their annual fundraising campaign by updating attendees on each YMCA’s fundraising goals and progress.

The J. F. Hurley Family YMCA has raised one-third of its $50,000 goal, while Saleeby-Fisher YMCA has raised 88 percent of its $30,000 goal. J. Fred Corriher, Jr. YMCA has raised a little over half of its $25,000 goal, and the YMCA of Rowan County has raised 54 percent of its $105,000 goal.

Laurie Ward, YMCA of Rowan County human relations and development director, said donations can be made at each branch or can be given to her.

The Charlotte Automotive Dealer’s Association presented YMCA of Rowan with a check for $10,750 at the meeting. Each year, the association donates the proceeds of their auto show to a charity of their choice. For the past two years, they have split their donations among the Charlotte area’s 13 YMCAs.

A number of volunteers were recognized for their work at individual branches and county-wide.

The Saleeby-Fisher branch honored Gerald Yates with the distinguished service award, and Doug Patterson was given the award for the J. Fred Corriher, Jr. branch. The YMCA of Rowan County awarded Nathan Currie, assistant superintendent of administration for the Rowan-Salisbury School System, with the distinguished service award.

The award for the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA went to the entire special populations swim class volunteers, some of whom have been volunteering for more than 30 years: Lois Simone, Jean Morgan, Patsy Rendleman, Becky Stephens, Jennifer Wainright, Pang Lor, Vickie St. Lawrence, Betty King, Carolyn Glasgow, Connie Summers and Kathy Eagle.

New board members and officers were also installed at each local branch.