The YMCA of Greenville is kicking off its annual Partners with Youth fundraisers for the year in hopes to raise $20,000 for scholarships and discounts.

“The Partners with Youth is an annual campaign, and it’s to help raise money to help the children and families who cannot afford to pay the full price of the Y,” Executive Director Amanda Phillips said. “Nobody comes for free. Everyone has to pay something, but it helps offset the cost.”

On Oct. 11, the first fundraiser will begin with Gorilla Boo, which is where people can pay $10 to have a dressed up gorilla send a note and a bag of candy. There is also a $20 message that includes balloons.

“We have purchased a gorilla outfit, and if you buy a $10 boo, someone gets a visit from the gorilla, and a spooky treat,” Phillips said. “The gorilla hands you a note from someone and says ‘boo’.”

The gorilla boo can be purchased from Oct. 11-31.

“It’s a very important program that that YMCA does,” Phillips said. “We wouldn’t be able offer scholarship and offer discounts if we didn’t raise money every year. As the director, I would hope everyone who receives a scholarship would partner in some way and give back to the Y.”

There will be other fundraisers throughout the year including a lunch with Santa Clause and a lunch with the Easter bunny as well as a princess party.

“We do have some children and families who could not afford to come if we don’t raise this money,” Phillips said. “Most of my scholarships are used in the summer time. It helps children to come stay with us and have fun and where they’re well taken care of and seen after every day while the parents work.”