An ambitious $ 4.4 million dollar capital campaign has been announced by the YMCA of Greater Michiana, aimed at upgrades and expansion of the Y’s Hollywood Road facility in St. Joseph Charter Township.
According to a statement from the YMCA, the “Another Century of Service” campaign is designed to ensure that the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA continues to thrive and serve the community for generations to come. Comprised of two essential phases, this fund raising campaign will address critical needs and elevate the quality of services provided at the facility.
Phase One ($2.4 Million): Enhancing the Member Experience
The initial phase of the campaign, with a budget of $2.4 million, will focus on transforming and revitalizing several key areas of the YMCA. Renovations include:
1. Locker Room Upgrades: A complete overhaul of the locker rooms will provide our members with modern and comfortable facilities, enhancing their overall experience.
2. New Children’s Playground: A state-of-the-art playground will offer a safe and engaging space for children to play, fostering their growth and development.
3. Steam Room Enhancements: Improvements to the steam room will promote relaxation and well-being for members seeking stress relief and recovery.
4. Upgraded Cardio Space Flooring: The installation of new flooring in the cardio space will create a more comfortable and efficient workout environment, supporting the health and fitness goals of members.
Phase Two ($2 Million): Expanding Our Reach
The second phase, with a budget of $2 million, is set to fund the construction of an additional gymnasium at the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA. This new gymnasium will provide more opportunities for sports, fitness classes, and community events, making the YMCA an even more versatile and inclusive community hub.
To lead this transformative campaign, the YMCA Board has chosen campaign co-chairs:
· Jim Reits: A prominent figure in the community, representing Hanson International. Jim brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community development.
· Deborah Wolf: A distinguished leader in healthcare and wellness, Deborah is associated with Corewell Health. Her passion for community well-being aligns perfectly with the YMCA’s mission.
Mark Weber, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Michiana expressed his excitement for the “Another Century of Service” campaign, saying, “This campaign is a testament to the dedication of our community and the enduring spirit of the YMCA. We are committed to creating a vibrant, welcoming space for our members to thrive and come together. With the support of our community, we can make this vision a reality.”
At today’s announcement event, Wolf revealed that that the YMCA has already raised $1.6 million toward the phase one $2.4 million goal.
The campaign co-chairs commented, “The Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA invites community members, local businesses, and supporters to join us on this incredible journey. Your participation and support will help us reach our goal of ensuring that the YMCA remains a cornerstone of health, fitness, and community engagement for many more decades to come.”
For more information about the “Another Century of Service” campaign, please visit our campaign website https://www.ymcagm.org/Capital-Improvements.
