From left, Hannah and Allison Deuter ham it up at the recent YMCA Father-Daughter Sweetheart Dance. The event was another smashing success for the YMCA with nearly 80 couples attending the event.
IRON MOUNTAIN – The YMCA Capital Campaign to rebuild the Crystal Lake Community Center pool and renovate the building is $450,000 away from hitting its goal after two weeks of campaigning.
“The momentum since our kickoff on Jan. 25, has been strong,” Dickinson Center Director Jonathan Ringel said. “To raise $200,000 in about two weeks just goes to show the outpouring of support people have for the YMCA.”
YMCA officials raised roughly $1.8 million in a quiet campaign during the past two years. At the launch of the public campaign at the end of January, the remaining goal was set at $650,000 to cover the estimated $2.4 million total project cost.
A recent substantial anonymous donation has helped push the fundraising total past $200,000.
“It’s just remarkable, really,” Ringel said. “We have a generous community who understand the value and impact the YMCA brings each and every day.”
The nearly 50-year old pool inside the Community Center Building is on its last legs, with shutdowns due to mechanical issues becoming more and more common. The majority of Capital funds will go toward a complete rebuild of the pool, which was originally designed for a 25-year useful service life. The locker rooms will also be remodeled, and all new equipment is budgeted for the fitness center.
The YMCA officially takes ownership of the Community Center from Dickinson County in November. Other changes to the building through Capital funding will address improved efficiencies designed to help lower operating and utility costs.
The Capital Campaign runs through June with renovations expected to begin in the fall. The rebuild of the pool is slated for the summer of 2019.
To make a donation to the Capital Campaign, call (906) 774-4076 or visit www.WhatsYourY.org.