CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — The importance of families in the success of the Clarion County YMCA was recently stressed with a $100,000.00 contribution to the campaign to build a new YMCA.
“We decided to make a donation that will help in this worthy cause,” said Dalph and Nancy McNeil of Clarion. “We hope other families will recognize the value this new YMCA will offer to all residents of Clarion County.”
The McNeil family also offered its thoughts in an open letter to Clarion County residents.
“Growing up in Brookville and experiencing first hand what positive life changing experiences a full-service YMCA can have on a community, and recognizing that within any community there are some essential factors like churches, school districts, hospitals, and YMCA’s that create the wholesome life experience that enable a community to grow and prosper.”
(Photo above: A group of Clarion County YMCA families gathered at the site of the new Clarion County YMCA to note the importance of families. Pictured are Nancy and Dalph McNeil, Jesse and Declan Kelley, Milissa Bauer, and Barb and Jeff McCombie. Kelley is manager of the Clarion County YMCA and Milissa and Jeff are members of the local board.)
“Clarion County is blessed to have each of these positive factors. Our current YMCA has proved its value and has outgrown its current location. By growing and building a full service YMCA, with pool and athletic fields adjacent, it will enable our Y to better serve the county. Your help would be very appreciated in this effort.”
The $8.1 million full-service Clarion County YMCA will be located near Exit 62 of I-80 and the Clarion Oaks Golf Course.
The campaign’s silent phase raised over $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.
“The major gift campaign over the last two months has now pushed the total amount raised to over $6.8 million or 85 percent of our goal,” said Milissa Bauer, campaign cabinet co-chair. “Most of the commitments are from local community businesses, families, and organizations who have made substantial donations.”
The new project, among other facilities, will bring access to a lap swimming/therapy pool and other year-round recreation activities that the YMCA provides because of its 501(c)3 status. Completion of the project is expected by late 2016 or early 2017.
For more information about the campaign, contact Campaign Communications Coordinator Cindy Nave at 814-226-9722 or clarioncountyymca.org.
