Marion YMCA moves into “major gift phase” of capital campaign

Gary Sims

The Marion YMCA recently launched the Major Gift phase of their $2 million capital campaign to increase its impact in youth development and healthy living.

The Major Gift phase is the third phase of the capital campaign. It follows the Leadership Gifts that received pledges from the board, staff and campaign leadership.  The second phase, Advance Gifts has also secured pledges and gifts from many of the major companies, foundations and families in the Marion area.

Karen Ream and Larry Babich, are the co-chairs of the campaign and reported to the volunteers assembled at the Major Gift launch:  “we are pleased to announce that we have raised $1,243,000 at this time and are confident with everyone’s help we will reach our goal by the end of May.”

The Major Gift Phase of the campaign is seeking pledges and gifts from individuals and businesses that have the potential of giving $5,000-$25,000 over a five year period.  Gary Sims is chairing this phase of the campaign, which has a goal of $350,000.  Assisting him are the following volunteers: Jim McFarland, Chris Widrig, Mike Zucker, Scott Knowles, John Boblenz, Dr. Dave Peltier, Chelsea Van Meter, Trish Reid, Nick Van Meter, Patty Kirk, Deb Ralph, and Kathy Jo Keirns.

The campaign is raising funds to reduce the current building debt and to help with needed improvements to the facility and grounds. Improvements may include adding a community walking track and youth sport fields, remodeling space on the second floor to provide additional health and wellness space and upgrading the building heating, ventilation and cooling systems. Both debt reduction and facility improvements will allow the YMCA to put resources towards programs and services that help youth develop their full potential; and individuals and families improve their well-being.

Following the Major Gift Phase will be the Community Teams effort which is co-chaired by Jackie Concepcion and CJ Assent.  That phase will kick off in April and have a goal of raising $150,000.

The Marion Family YMCA has been in the Marion community for 124 years. Its programs and services focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each year, the Marion Family YMCA engages approximately 15,000 men, women and children –  regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the community’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.

For more information on the YMCA, please visit ymca.net; marionymca.org or call 740-725-9622.