Wednesday, September 2, 2015

YMCA Receives $200,000 Challenge Gift

Northern Door Capital Campaign Passes $1 Million Mark for Phase 2

An anonymous $200,000 challenge gift pushed Phase 2 of the Door County YMCA’s Capital Campaign for the Northern Door Program Center past the $1 million mark. As of today, each new dollar committed to construct a 3,500-square-foot addition at the Fish Creek facility will be matched up to $200,000.

“We’re optimistic that with this major new commitment to our project we’ll be able to secure the necessary gifts and pledges to begin construction before winter weather arrives,” said Tom Beerntsen, Door County YMCA CEO. “We value every dollar we receive, and this challenge gift doubles the impact of each contribution as we work to reach our $1.5 million goal.”

The addition will be constructed on the south side of the existing building, facing Gibraltar Road, and will house a new Lifestyle Center. With an additional 1,200 square feet for cardio and strength training equipment compared to the current Lifestyle Center in the center of the building, the way in which the Y serves members and guests will be visibly transformed, and the space in the center of the building will be renovated into multi-purpose rooms.

“During recent strategic planning focus group meetings it was confirmed how vital the Y is to residents and Door County visitors alike,” said Northern Door Program Center Executive Director Drew Richmond. “This facility has provided a space for a wide range of activities that promote healthy lifestyles since 1999, and this next phase of construction will allow us to better serve our community for many years to come.”

Other elements of Phase 2 include replacement of the gym roof, all air handler units, a refurbish of the two main shower rooms, and renovation of all bathrooms. Last year, the Y raised more than $750,000 to expand and replace the aquatic center mechanical room, dehumidification system and boilers as Phase 1 of capital improvements.

Individuals and businesses interested in helping to meet the new challenge gift should contact Drew Richmond (drichmond@doorcountyymca.org, 920-868-3660) or Tom Beerntsen (tbeerntsen@doorcountyymca.org, 920-743-4949).

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