The Westfield Area YMCA Devilfish swim team hosted their annual Swim-A-Ton. This year’s event was held at the Westfield Area YMCA on January 20-21. The 115 participants swam 13,535 laps, totaling 338,375 yards or nearly 200 miles. That is, approximately, the equivalent of swimming from Westfield to Washington, D.C.

The team raised over $34,000 to support both the Westfield YMCA Strong Kids+ Annual Support Campaign and the swim team. The Strong Kids+Annual Support Campaign provides financial support that enables those in need to participate in YMCA programming such as summer camp, preschool, childcare, and other wellness activities.

“The Swim-a-ton is a really great event. It gives all the swimmers a chance to challenge themselves and raise money for a wonderful cause,” Ted Crall, Westfield Area YMCA senior- level and 2024 Swim-A-Ton cochair. “There’s no better feeling in the world than seeing the kids get all excited at the end of the hour when they hit their lap goals,” added Crall.

“This organization’s mission is very important to me and I’m proud to help them make a difference,” Danny Pierce, Westfield YMCAsenior-level swimmer and Swim-A-Ton co-chair. Pierce added, “financial awards also enable families and seniors to benefit from Y wellness programs and youth, teen, senior, and special needs programs are subsidized to ensure they are available to all.”

On behalf of the Westfield Area YMCADevilfish, co-chairs Ted Crall and Danny Pierce would also like to thank everyone who generously donated in support of the 115 swimmers that participated in this year’s Swim-A-Ton.