January is nearly to a close, but we wanted to take a moment to recognize clients who’ve reached important milestones in their campaigns. Whether they are at the beginning of their campaign or celebrating the final ribbon cutting, each of these organizations has shown vision and perseverance as they work to bring their mission to life.
SUNBURY YMCA
Photo: The Daily Item
How do you raise money for a locker room renovation in an older facility? By building a compelling case. Congratulations to Bonnie McDowell, Wayne Stump and the volunteers at the Sunbury YMCA (Sunbury, PA) for raising $700,000 in six months to renovation two locker rooms and build a brand new family locker room. Locker rooms may not seem like a big deal, but they are an important tool to welcome and encourage people into a healthier way of life. As Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver, who attended the grand opening, said, “Any support we can lend the YMCA makes us have stronger communities.”
CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP
- The YMCA of Central Maryland’s (Baltimore, MD) “Invest in Baltimore Mission Expansion Campaign” is off to a great start, having received two $1 million gifts and one $750,000 gift.
- The YMCA of Greater Richmond (Richmond, VA) has begun millions of dollars in renovations and improvements to three branches: Northside, Petersburg and Manchester Ys. The renovations are part of $15 million in improvements the YMCA of Greater Richmond has planned for the three older facilities and part of a larger five-year, $40 million comprehensive campaign to support capital improvements, community impact and endowment.
- The ribbon was cut on the new Dan McKinney Family YMCA (La Jolla, CA). The ceremony marked the fourth and final phase of a $21 million expansion and renovation project. The facility has served the community for more than 50 years. This extensive renovation will allow the facility to be home to a wide variety of programs and activities that will help even more people grow stronger in spirit, mind and body.
HONORING A CAMPING LEGEND
On December 31, 2017, a legend in YMCA camping passed away. Robert “Skip” Wilke dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to sharing his love of the outdoors and camping to thousands of young people across Minnesota and throughout the world. “He made us better,” said Niki Geisler, district camp executive for YMCA Camp du Nord. “We are a stronger camp because of his presence. And his impact will be felt for generations to come.”
This is just a glimpse into the great work we get to see day in and day out in large and small nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations and more. While the campaign sizes may vary, the commitment and courage these leaders show is always impressive. Thanks for letting us play a part in your story!