The CLC YMCA capital swimming pool campaign received a huge boost last week, an anonymous $400,000 pledge.
It is the single largest gift to date,” executive director Craig Wilson said. The gift to the Y is to ensure the pool is built with six lanes.
“The anonymous gift is from a local family that has been aware of the project from the beginning. They decided to come forward and substantiate the need for a pool. They really thought six lanes would serve the community the best,” Wilson said.
To date, $950,000 has been pledged to the swimming pool capital campaign. Now that the pool will be built with six lanes, “we’ve raised the bar. We need to raise a total of $1.7 million,” which will cover the pool plus other campus renovations, Wilson said.
The new parking lot and turn around entrance for the new pool are currently under construction and expected to be completed by the end of the month.
“I think what this lead gift does is validate the project. It leads the way for others to follow. The Y is really excited,” Wilson said.
Wilson said he continues to get small gifts almost daily, some as large as $2000 to $5000. The Y is looking for people to serve on the fundraising committee. Wilson incited anyone wishing to help to call him at 563-YMCA.
On Thurs., Oct. 27, the YMCA will hold an open house from 6-7 p.m. to show off the new plans for the six lane pool. The open house is “for people to see our progress, have input and ask questions about the pool,” Wilson said.
Architect Thor Glendinning, of 44 degrees North, has drawn up the plans for the pool. Glendinning is a board member and “all his services have been in-kind. The ground work he has done so far have been instrumental in pushing the project along,” Wilson said.
Wilson estimates other volunteers have donated $30,000 in in-kind services to the project as well.
“We are very optimistic,” Wilson said. “We are closer than ever. One more lead gift and we could start construction in the spring and kids could be swimming at this time next year, which would be very exciting.”
Of the $400,000 pledge, Wilson said, “It is huge. I don’t remember a gift like that in the community in a while, and with six lanes we’ll meet 100 percent of the community needs.”
