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| Concept of new entrance to the New YMCA! |
Why a New YMCA?
Dave Eitland, New YMCA Campaign Director
Dave Eitland, New YMCA Campaign Director
It has been said that anything that happens that changes a culture happens when a small group of people band together to make it happen. Why? Because that is the way it has always been done. The building of the New YMCA to meet critical needs in health, fitness, and aquatics will be built the same way… with a dedicated people making it happen. Here are some thoughts of the over 400 individuals, companies, and foundations who have contributed so far to make the New Y a reality.
“The YMCA is a community asset that has served us well for decades. It is critical that the fund drive for the new facility be completed now.”
Jim and Sue Dutmers
“As a former member of my high school swim team, and an avid water sports person, I have a strong passion for the mission of the YMCA! I learned to swim in a YMCA pool downstate Michigan, and believe that swimming provides positive character skills beyond the health benefits including discipline, self confidence, safety awareness and teamwork. The greater Grand Traverse area needs and will greatly benefit from the addition of a full service YMCA including the new Y pool! The time is right to complete this project – Please join me in supporting the Capital Campaign for the New Y!”
Marc Judge, YMCA Board of Directors Chair
“The new YMCA facility will fill a tremendous need in our community. People of all ages will benefit from the expansion of both the Y’s facilities and programs. We know the Rotary Charities gifts will have a significant impact on the quality of life in our region.”
Marsha Smith, Rotary Charities of Traverse City
“As a kid, I spent countless hours at “the Y” participating in everything from basketball and swim teams to camps and the “Hi-Y” organization. I know first hand how valuable the Y can be in providing young people a positive environment in which they can grow and thrive.
“Maureen and I believe that the new YMCA is a critically important component of what makes the Grand Traverse area a great place to raise a family.”
Ralph Cerny
“When I was a child growing up in Saginaw, the Y had a wonderful community pool that enabled learning to swim and a competitive swim league. This was among the only public facilities for teaching swimming and water activities. In Traverse City we have lots of places to swim, but lots of children don’t know how. The Grand Traverse Y has for years been the primary supplier of organized recreational activities and teaching of recreational skills (think soccer and kinder-kicker, think gymnastics, tennis, lacrosse just to name a few).
“In this community of limit-less facilities and lots of competitive options for recreational interests, an aquatic center at the new Y will combine exquisite programming expertise with a much needed place to learn. Let’s all pitch in to help the Grand Traverse region acquire this wonderful dream combination.”
William Northway
“From an early age, taking swim lessons at a Detroit “Y” Center and as a cabin counselor at summer camps, to coaching my sons’ soccer teams and playing in an adult tennis program, the Y has been an important part of my life. I am a strong supporter of the Y program for its emphasis on healthy, character-building programs for the entire family.
“And I am excited about the completion of the capital campaign that will give this community an exceptional multi-purpose facility for the benefit of kids and families. Through a very generous pledge, we have an opportunity to bring this project to reality NOW. Please join me in making it happen.”
Bruce Falconer
“The New Y represents the most critical resource for children, youth, seniors and families in our region and creates tremendous opportunities for health and wellness.”
Dr. Phil Ellis, Community Foundation
The New Y Capital Campaign has an incredible opportunity. If the campaign can raise the balance of multi-year pledges and gifts to reach the campaign goal, an anonymous donor will contribute $2 million to complete the campaign and allow the Y to begin building in early 2012. If we do not raise the funds by December 31, 2011, the donor will withdraw his pledge. More than any other time, your pledge or donation is vital to build the New Y. On-line donations and pledges are accepted at www.4good4ever.org . Consult the YMCA website at www.gtbayymca.org for more information about the New Y.
Dave Eitland is the Campaign Director for the New Y Campaign. He can be reached at 231-933-9622 or dave@gtbayymca.org .
