The La Porte County Family YMCA announced today the launch of a capital campaign to support the agreement with the Michigan City Area Schools to open a YMCA branch in the historic Elson facility. This new facility will be the third YMCA branch in La Porte County and be named after the facility – The Michigan City Elston YMCA Branch.
A Capital Campaign steering committee has been established and will be chaired by Craig Dwight, CEO of Horizon Bank. The campaign is an ambitious fundraising endeavor for the La Porte County Family YMCA as it gathers commitments from local businesses and investors in the community towards its ultimate goal of $750,000.
“I’m honored to be Chairman of the Capital Campaign to support this extraordinary opportunity to provide our community with the services of the YMCA while also utilizing such a cherished asset – the Elston facility,” stated Craig Dwight. “Our Capital Campaign steering committee is made up of leaders from the Michigan City community who are committed to bring success to our cause. We believe now is the time to invest in the Michigan City Elston YMCA so that we can positively affect more lives in a meaningful way,” continued Dwight.
Cindy Berchem, Executive Director of La Porte County Family YMCA shared, “We are hearing a lot of positive buzz about our plans for Michigan City. People are excited to have a pool, gymnasiums, and youth and healthy living programs available to them. We are fortunate to have such an amazing facility to use for our new Y. The support of our Capital Campaign will allow us to strengthen the Michigan City community and move us all forward. Gifts to this campaign will have a meaningful, enduring impact right here in the Michigan City community. We look forward to serving the diverse needs of the Michigan City community.”
The goal for the Capital Campaign is to have commitments made by May 31st. The campaign has been broken down into three phases. According to Berchem, the “quiet phase” of the campaign has already succeeded in raising $150,000 to complete Phase 1. Phase two offerings will include wellness classes, and “School Day Out” and “Snow Day” camps. Phase three will include the establishment of a Wellness Center. Further programming beyond the first three phases will be added to meet the needs of the community.
“We are working with business and community leaders in the area, as well as our members and friends. We have developed a bold vision to bring a Y that meets the needs of the diverse Michigan City community and are excited to open the doors soon. The historic Elston facility will support programs and activities that make healthy lives achievable for everyone, as well as allow the Y to offer unparalleled recreational activities and social services to the Michigan City community for years to come,” stated Bobbi Petru, Michigan City Elston YMCA Branch Director.
Michigan City faces new challenges that create a greater need for the work done by the La Porte County Family YMCA organization. Fortunately, where some see obstacles, the Y sees opportunities for its members, volunteers, staff and generous donors to make a difference. No other organization can impact as many people as powerfully the Y does every day.
For more information about the capital campaign or how you can contribute, please contact Dana Gaul, Administrative Assistant at 219-325-9622 or email at admin@lpymca.org.
About the La Porte County Family YMCA
The La Porte County Family YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Regardless of age, income or background the Y engages with men, woman and children– to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence, not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change. For more information contact Dana Gaul, Administrative Assistant at 219-325-9622 or email at admin@lpymca.org. lpymca.org