IRON MOUNTAIN – The Northern Lights YMCA Capital Campaign is 90 percent to its total goal, as more than $400,000 has been raised in just seven weeks of a public campaign.
“We’ve had tremendous success so far, but the work is not done,” Center Director Jonathan Ringel said. “We not only want to reach our goal, we want t
o shatter it. The response from the community has been overwhelming, and if that continues, we’ll be able to do even more to transform the building and ensure the future of the YMCA in Dickinson County.”
After generating around $1.8 million in support over a two-year quiet campaign, the YMCA launched a public campaign on January 25, to raise the final $650,000 of a roughly $2.4 million goal. The campaign is now only around $200,000 from hitting the mark.
The $2.4 million plateau guarantees the YMCA will be able to completely replace and modernize the aging pool inside the Crystal Lake Community Center building in what would the first phase of a master improvement plan for the YMCA. Other building upgrades and new fitness equipment is also included in that initial estimate.
Should the YMCA exceed its goal, additional upgrades would be added. The master vision for the facility includes the potential for multiple phases of improvement, depending on the total funding. The ultimate vision includes the construction of a multi-purpose fieldhouse with indoor running track, but that would require an additional $5 million beyond the phase one goal.
“What’s Your Y?” Ringel said. “Everything we do and will do at this YMCA depends on what the community wants to support. It’s been a remarkable two months so far, and we’re excited to see what the next few months bring.”
The Capital Campaign runs through June, with renovations slated to begin in the fall. The pool project would take place in the summer of 2019. Donations to the campaign can be made by calling (906) 774-4076 or by visiting www.WhatsYourY.org.