Businessman invests in aiding children

Because of Derek Martin's commitment, a lot of kids are reaping benefits.

"If I make a commitment to a job or a project, I follow through," said the parishioner of Christ the King Church in Westmere.

His family are members of the Guilderland YMCA, where Mr. Martin serves on the executive board. Several years ago, he decided to become more involved in a newly established project called Reach Out for Youth, which provides scholarships and financial assistance to thousands of children in the Capital Region.

Helping kids

Reach Out for Youth raises funds that pay for before-and-after-school childcare, membership in day camp activities, youth sports programs, swim lessons and even day-trips to places like Yankee Stadium.

Mr. Martin said that more than $1 million will be raised in the next year to provide those services. He is also involved in Circle of Champs, another YMCA effort.

"This program assists children with life-threatening illnesses and their families by providing supplemental income when the family runs out of funds," he explained. "It serves anywhere from 15 to 30 children and families each year."

Giving of self

Mr. Martin decided to become a volunteer at the Guilderland YMCA because he wanted to give more of himself than just a donation.

"Giving money is easy," he said. "You don't really have to spend much time away from job, home or family. For many, this is the only way that they can help. For me, getting personally involved is always what I wanted to do.

"We all lead busy lives, and mine is as busy as it can be right now with twin girls. However, someone has to make a difference in the lives of these [needy] children. I want it to be me because I really want to help them."

Camping out

When Mr. Martin was growing up, he said, he knew children who were involved with organizations that helped others, such as Ronald McDonald House, and that impressed him. He also attended a Y summer camp himself and remembers how much fun he had.

"Attending camp is a great experience for any kid, and many of our kids don't have that opportunity," he noted. "These programs we have at the Y allow them to experience camp life. Along the way, they have some great experiences that hopefully will become happy memories."

(Derek Martin grew up in St. Teresa of Avila parish in Albany and went to Schalmont High School in Rotterdam. He is a financial professional for AXA Advisors Groups, a world-wide organization with offices in Clifton Park. He specializes in retirement planning. To learn more about the programs or to become a volunteer, go to www.cdymca.org.)

(6/14/07)