CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — The Clarion Rotary Club thinks the people of Clarion County deserve a new YMCA and recently announced a $50,000.00 gift to the campaign to build a new Clarion County YMCA.

(Pictured above: YMCA Director Jesse Kelley, YMCA Campaign Co-Chairs Al Lander and Milissa Bauer, and Rotarians Casey O’Toole, Scott Hauser, and Mike Patton.)

Rotary is the second major community grant to pledge $50,000.00 in the last week, following the lead of the Clarion American Legion.

“The folks in Clarion County deserve a full service YMCA,” said Rotary President Casey O’Toole.

“Rotarians believe in promoting goodwill and fellowship within the communities we serve and that parallels the YMCA’s mission in promoting a healthier mind, body, and spirit for all residents in the communities in which they serve. It’s more than physical fitness. It’s about developing sportsmanship, fundamentals and character in our children. As president of Clarion Rotary, I’m proud that our club stepped up to support the YMCA in the amount of $50,000. As I said, this community deserves it.”

The campaign’s silent phase has already raised $5.4 million (almost 70 percent) from lead gifts and commitments by a small group of key individuals, including more than $600,000.00 in pledges from the local YMCA Board. A community campaign for the remaining $2.7 million is now being launched.

Contributions also include pledges over three to five years.

The $8.1 million full-service Clarion County YMCA will be located near Exit 62 of I-80 and the Clarion Oaks Golf Course.

For more information about the campaign, contact Campaign Communications Coordinator Cindy Nave at 814-226-9722.