Traverse City Record-Eagle

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December 11, 2011

Forum: The New Y and your year-end donation

By Henry Peet ----

Earlier this fall, an anonymous donor — who understands how important the New Y facility is for our region — pledged $2 million toward the campaign if the remaining $4 million needed to complete campaign goal was reached.

The 2:1 challenge requires the goal to be met by the end of 2011. This donation has inspired and re-ignited the New Y drive — and this is the final month of this very generous challenge.

Since the announcement of this donation, individuals and organizations have been stepping forward with their gifts and pledges.

Understanding how vital the New Y is to our community, some have increased their giving above what they had previously pledged. Others have taken advantage of the challenge to make their first commitment.

The campaign goal is $12 million to initiate construction for the New Y. With the $2 million challenge donation, an additional $1.6 million has been pledged as of this printing, leaving approximately $2.4 million still needed. December 2011 is by far the most important month of the New Y campaign.

The needs for the new Y are well noted.

n Aquatics: a recent survey indicated 40 percent of seventh graders couldn’t swim 25 yards. The New Y aquatics facility will provide them a place to learn.

n There is no family oriented, full-service recreational facility in the five-county region. The New Y is the facility.

n Youth obesity, leading to type II diabetes, is rising. The New Y will give youngsters a facility and instruction to achieve better fitness.

n Indoor tennis: At the Y, tennis provides a healthy activity that serves all age groups from young to experienced.

n Teens need a safe, fun place to congregate and grow. The New Y is that place. There is no other full-service facility where everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to pay. The New Y will continue the “no one denied” financial assistance program.

For those who have made 2011 donations — regardless of charity — please consider a pledge for 2012 in response to the Y challenge. Future pledges will be accepted and counted. Please consider your gift or pledge now so we can complete the challenge in 2011 and begin construction of the New Y in 2012.

Now is the time for people of good will and means to step up to the plate. Your pledge will help to make the New Y a reality.

Contact the Y at 933-9622 for more information or visit the Community Foundation at www.4good4ever.org to make your pledge. Now is the time to make a commitment. Your year-end donation is needed at the Y. Thank you for your support.

About the author: Henry Peet is the volunteer chairperson of the New YMCA Capital Campaign and lives in Traverse City.

About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by emailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.

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