IRON MOUNTAIN – River Valley Bank Foundation, Inc. has awarded a $25,000 grant to the Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center’s Capital Campaign for improvements at the Crystal Lake Community Center building.
With the contribution to the Capital Campaign, the YMCA is now less than $150,000 away from hitting its goal of $2.4 million. Reaching the goal will guarantee the YMCA is able to completely replace its failing pool, upgrade the locker rooms as well as other enhancements to the facility.
“We want to thank River Valley Bank Foundation for this generous grant,” Dickinson Center Director Jonathan Ringel said. “Their support of our mission and our goals is genuinely appreciated.”
Jim Helgren, Market Manager for River Valley Bank, said the decision to award the grant to the YMCA was made with full support by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“A successful and thriving YMCA in Dickinson County benefits all in this community,” he said. “You cannot place a value on the work they do and the impact they make. We are better off as a community with this organization and it deserves everyone’s full support.”
In planning to renovate the Crystal Lake Community Center, YMCA officials pledged to build only what the community supports and not borrow and money. A modest goal was set with immediate priority given to a pool rebuild and other needed improvements to the existing building.
While the current Capital Campaign aims to cover those expenses and ensure the YMCA remains on solid financial ground for the future, additional plans were drawn in various phases for future upgrades, including the possibility of a fieldhouse with indoor running track.
Should the community support the Y’s fundraising effort beyond the initial $2.4 million goal, additional enhancements will be added to the degree that funding supports. The full vision with the fieldhouse would require roughly another $5 million beyond the current goal.
“You never know,” Ringel said. “We’ve nearly reached our initial goal, and done so rather quickly. Our community obviously shares a passion for what we do. How far this current campaign goes remains to be seen, but I am super excited for what we’ve accomplished so far. Hitting our initial goal is going to really transform our facility and secure our future here.”
To donate toward the YMCA Capital Campaign, please call 774-4076 or visit www.WhatsYourY.org.
About Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center
Since opening as a YMCA, the Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center has experienced tremendous growth in programming and membership. From an initial membership of around 100 people, the facility boasts a growing membership base of more than 2,500 people, accounting for nearly 8,000 visits each month. More than 50 youth, aquatics, fitness and special event programming opportunities are available each session to members and non-members alike. The Y annually provides more than $100,000 in membership and programming assistance to the greater Dickinson County community.
About River Valley Bank Foundation, Inc.
River Valley Bank Foundation, Inc. was formed in 2016 to serve as the primary philanthropic arm of River Valley Bank which gives back 2% of its annual earnings to the communities it serves every year. River Valley is a financial center firmly integrated into the 13 communities it serves; five of which are located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The company’s strong foundation in business banking delivery has allowed for successful diversification in consumer lending and insurance. The continued emphasis on creating an incredible customer experience has allowed River Valley to grow to well over $1 billion in assets.