For the last 14 years, Virginia Evans has volunteered as an arthritis-relief water exercise instructor.

Grace and Ola Campbell have been attending her class at the Rapid City YMCA for nearly four years. Grace has had several physical problems, including a broken pelvis, and credits Evans and the classes with her strength and mobility.

"We exercise every single muscle during the class, and I can do everything Virginia asks us to do without pain in the pool, and that greatly improves my mobility outside the pool. Without this class, Ola and I would be couch potatoes," Grace said.

"But even beyond our physical benefits, the class is a source of strength to all of us," she emphasized. "We're like a big family because of the personal interest that Virginia takes in each of us. We go out to eat together once a month. Virginia lets us know if a member is ill or has lost a loved one because she cares enough to check on us when we miss."

Evans, who's 80 and suffers from arthritis, says she also benefits immeasurably from the classes - both physically and mentally. Being able to lead class members is a source of great personal satisfaction.

"Many times, people have come to my class using a walker or cane and barely able to walk. It's wonderful to see how after a few weeks of class, they are in less pain and able to move more freely."

The YMCA's mission is to help people of all ages build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies. Virginia Evans and the many other volunteers help make that goal a reality for many.

Renee Parker, executive director of the Black Hills United Way, says the current Living United campaign means "giving of yourself to create a better life for all. Please give generously to the United Way campaign, and be part of the solution."

Fundraising goals

- Total goal: $2,100,000

-Total collected: $1,145,780

55 percent of goal

Rapid City

- Goal: $1,820,000

- Collected: $1,015,720

56 percent of goal

Sturgis

-Goal: $95,000

- Collected: $35,328

37 percent of goal

Northern Hills

-Goal: $185,000

-Collected: $94,732

51 percent of goal

How to help

The United Way's Living United campaign is raising funds for nonprofit community outreach programs like the Rapid City YMCA. To contribute or for information, call 343-5872.