IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BUILDING

 

Over the past seven years, it has been our privilege to work alongside an amazing team of volunteers and staff to bring the new Westport Weston Y Bedford Family Center out of the ground. On a perfect late summer evening, nearly 400 people came together to dedicate, celebrate and “cut the ribbon” on a stunning 54,000 sq. ft. Adirondack-style YMCA built in a quiet wooded setting adjacent to the Y’s 32-acre day camp. Taking inspiration from the capital campaign’s theme of “Building What Matters,” each of the evening’s speakers marked this historic event with praise for what had been built…

Commitment to Community – The long, and at times, contentious process of bringing this new YMCA to the community both tested and strengthened the resolve of a team of dedicated volunteers and staff. Through the highs and lows, these leaders deepened their already strong commitment to finish what they started and to meet every challenge with an unwavering belief that this new Y would strengthen the community for all.

Leadership – At Donor By Design, we hold firmly to the belief that “leadership is everything” and our experience in Westport only deepened that belief. Although many people came together to make this campaign and project a success, it was the tireless commitment of a small group of dedicated souls who held tight to the rudder in some stormy seas to make it happen. To a person, they would tell you that this project helped them to grow as individuals and leaders in the community.

Mission Awareness – Like many community not-for-profits, the Westport Weston Family Y began this campaign with an overall lack of mission awareness in the greater community. Through our feasibility study we concluded that the Y was “known by many but understood by few.” During the capital campaign, the Y developed and executed an ongoing communications plan designed to position it as a key community partner dedicated to the betterment of all through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Ironically, the highlight of the evening occurred even before anyone set foot in the building. Projected on a screen just to the left of the podium was a video message from Allen Raymond, a dear friend, volunteer and major donor to the YMCA who passed away just months before the completion of the project. Towards the end of his battle with cancer, Allen removed his life-giving oxygen tube, smiled into the camera and recorded a most heartfelt and heart-warming welcome message for all to enjoy. As the crowd eagerly awaited their first peek at the new YMCA, Allen reminded them that it’s not about the building, even when it is!

All of us at Donor By Design congratulate the Westport Weston Family Y on the success of their capital campaign. It has been our honor and privilege to partner with you!Ribbon-Cutting-Ceremony-Aug-28-2014-031-500x333

“Every time you see a splash in the pool and no one is around, you’ll know I’m there.”  Allen Raymond

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