Augusta, GA
YMCA of Greater Augusta launches annual campaign next week
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The YMCA of Greater Augusta will launch its 2026 Annual Fundraising Campaign next week with a luncheon.
The kickoff and prayer luncheon will be on Feb. 10, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Columbia County Exhibition Hall, 212 Partnership Drive.
The event aims to bring together faith leaders, community partners and supporters to raise $1.7 million in support of financial assistance and outreach programs in the CSRA.
Ten pastors from across the CSRA will each lead a focused prayer over specific areas of the YMCA’s mission.
“This campaign is about far more than meeting a financial goal, it’s about showing up for our community and shining a light where it’s needed most” said Catie McCauley, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Augusta.
“Every dollar raised helps ensure that we can meet families where they are, ensuring children sleep in safe beds, families have access to nutritious meals, kids learn life-saving water safety skills, and individuals of all abilities and backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive.”
The 2026 annual campaign will also feature a Game Show–themed celebration.
Each year, the Family YMCA provides more than $2 million in financial assistance to children, families, seniors and individuals across the CSRA.
Funds raised through the Annual Campaign support the YMCA’s financial assistance program and essential outreach initiatives, including:
- A Place to Dream
- Cheryl’s Kitchen Food Program
- Safety Around Water
- Camp I.V.E.Y.
- LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA
In 2025, the YMCA of Greater Augusta raised $1,643,954 through its annual campaign.
Community members who wish to support the 2026 Annual Campaign can make a donation online at thefamilyy.org/donate or by calling 706-922-9130.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The South Augusta YMCA will not renew its lease at the Tobacco Road location, the Y confirmed.
The shopping center is being sold, and the current lease ends in October.
The Y has not announced a final day at the current location. Officials said they plan to announce that date and next steps for South Augusta later this month.
The YMCA said it still plans to serve South Augusta after the lease expires.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A man who was previously wanted for questioning in an Augusta deadly shooting has now been charged with murder in the case, according to authorities.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says Kemfton Quewanaki Kenon, 27, was arrested on Friday in connection to the shooting death of Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.
Kenon is booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center and charged with murder and possession of a firearm during a crime, according to jail bookings.
Rodriguez, 25, was found dead after deputies received a call about a shooting on May 15 at 1:11 a.m. on Cameron Drive.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office said Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m.
Kenon was previously wanted for questioning in the case and was located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. He was interviewed and arrested on an unrelated warrant.
Deputies were also interviewed two other subjects in the case. They were not arrested in the case.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – People who live in South Augusta are raising concerns about the future of the Family Y on Tobacco Road.
Officials say the facility has been operating at a loss for years, and have had a low number of memberships. The location also has a new owner. The cost of the lease is too high and the facility is also in need of renovations, which are said to be costly.
“The reality is we couldn’t afford the current lease that we were in,” said Catie McCauley, president and CEO of Family Y of Greater Augusta. “Over the last 10 years we’ve been subsidizing this lot. So we got to look at a model that we can sustain for the next several generations not just the next couple years.”
The location is set to close in October, but officials say they are working with community members and contractors for a new building that they can move into and are committed to staying in South Augusta.
Photojournalist credit: Gary Hipps
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