Cedar's Foods Makes $1 Million Lead Gift to Haverhill YMCA Capital Campaign

Cedar's Foods' transformative investment marks the first corporate donation and a major milestone toward building a new, much-needed YMCA for Haverhill.

Haverhill, MA – Cedar's Foods has made a $1,000,000 comprehensive lead gift to the Haverhill YMCA's capital campaign, becoming the first corporate donor to support the effort to bring a new, state-of-the-art YMCA facility to the city of Haverhill.

With this generous leadership commitment, Cedar's Foods continues its unwavering dedication to the Haverhill community and generations to come. A longtime partner of the Haverhill YMCA, Cedar's Foods has supported the YMCA since 2019 by providing funding and healthy food for afterschool programs and helping to address food insecurity among local children and families.

"We are incredibly grateful for this lead gift and continued partnership from Cedar's Foods," said Tracy Fuller, Executive Director of the Haverhill YMCA. "Cedar's has been an active supporter of our YMCA for years, helping us care for families through food programs and community partnerships. Their generous donation, which helps us advance plans for a new YMCA—while we are still in the early phase of our capital campaign—is a true testament to their commitment to Haverhill and to the people we serve."

A new YMCA is critical for expanding access to programs and services that promote healthy living, child development, and community well-being. The current Haverhill YMCA serves approximately 2,000 members, while the proposed new facility will accommodate up to 17,000 members, dramatically increasing opportunities for children, adults, and seniors to connect, learn, and thrive.

The envisioned new YMCA will feature:

• Expanded sports, recreation, and aquatics facilities, including an Olympic-size pool

• Comprehensive physical and mental wellness programs

• An early learning center and youth enrichment programs

• Specialized programs for seniors and adults to foster belonging and connection

In addition, the project plans to transform the existing YMCA site into the best and highest use to support the Greater Haverhill Community.

Charles Hanna, CEO at Cedar's Foods, said, "This gift represents more than financial support, it's an investment in the heart of the community that has shaped us for decades. Haverhill is home, and the people here are family. Supporting the construction of a new YMCA is our way of helping to create opportunities for healthy living, learning, and connection for generations to come. We are proud to contribute to a space that will foster growth, wellness, and belonging for children, families, and seniors alike, and we hope this gift inspires others to join in building a stronger, healthier Haverhill."

While site selection and planning for the new YMCA facility are ongoing, Cedar's Foods' early and generous investment provides crucial momentum and community confidence in the YMCA's vision. As the Haverhill YMCA narrows down its selected location, the YMCA remains deeply committed to developing the right facility in the right place for the community. Cedar's Foods' leadership gift reflects their faith and trust in the YMCA's ability to identify the best site and build the YMCA that Haverhill deserves. This transformative commitment stands as a powerful testimony to that belief. The Haverhill YMCA expects to share project updates, including site details and next steps, in the coming months.

For more information or to donate to the capital campaign for a new Haverhill YMCA, contact Tracy Fuller at fullert@northshoreymca.org.

About the YMCA of the North Shore

The YMCA of the North Shore is one of the nation's leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For more than 160 years, the Y has served over 100,000 members and program participants across 25 cities and towns, nurturing the potential of children and teens, improving health and well-being, and providing opportunities for all—regardless of age, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.

About Cedar's Foods

Founded in 1981, Cedar's Foods is a family-owned company proudly rooted in Haverhill, Massachusetts, where it has grown from a local kitchen staple into a national leader in Mediterranean foods. Guided by a commitment to quality, tradition, and community, Cedar's crafts its products using time-honored recipes and only the finest, freshest ingredients. Each dip, spread, and sauce is designed to capture the vibrant, authentic flavors of the Mediterranean, bringing rich, bold taste and modern, innovative combinations to tables across the country. With a wide range spanning classic hommus and tzatziki to new flavors and limited-time offerings, all Cedar's products are free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors, catering to consumers seeking delicious, better-for-you options. Cedar's deep community roots also fuel Cedar's with Heart, the company's ongoing initiative dedicated to supporting local organizations, families, and causes throughout Haverhill and beyond. Through this program, Cedar's continues to invest in the health, well-being, and future of the community it proudly calls home.

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