The Butler YMCA surpassed its Giving Tuesday fundraising goal.

Jill Zoria, director of marketing, strategy and development for the Butler YMCA, said the organization normally sets a fundraising goal of “$12,000 in 12 hours.” That number was exceeded by quite a bit.

“We are up over $15,000 in 12, so we are thrilled,” Zoria said Wednesday. “That's the best Giving Tuesday that we have ever had.”

After counting more donations, Zoria said the Y got about $16,000 in total from Giving Tuesday. To do this, the YMCA hosted a 12-hour “Cyclethon” Tuesday in the lobby, where people could ride stationery bikes to raise money.

Although the organization surpassed its donation goal, Zoria said the rest of the holiday season is a focus month for fundraising.

“The holiday season is one of our biggest gift-giving times of the year,” she said. “The money goes toward sponsored families programs, free and highly discounted memberships, and all that is paid for by donations.”

Throughout the month, the Y is hosting its Giving Tree program, Zoria said. People can purchase ornaments that include stories about the Y, and place them on the tree.

“We have these handmade ornaments that are on our trees that were made by our Reach and Rise staff and children,” Zoria said. “Each ornament has a story about how the Y has helped someone.”

Zoria said the Y has the people of the Butler and Cranberry communities to thank for the organization meeting most, if not all, of its fundraising goals.

“I think the community is really supporting us,” Zoria said.