YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs Unveil New Facilities
Ribbon cutting and ground breaking highlight $4.1 million dollar campaign
Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 3:30 pm, the YMCA of Saginaw and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region invite donors and the public to a ceremonial ground breaking/ribbon cutting as part of a Summer Block Party event. The renovation was made possible through the KidsCampUs campaign, a joint venture with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region and the YMCA of Saginaw.
Acquisition and renovation of the former Junior Achievement building provides a permanent home in Saginaw for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region. Repurposing of the building will provide designated spaces for recreation and cognitive enrichment through specialized programs such as visual and creative arts, languages, STEM activities, music, and more. At the YMCA, a refreshed entry experience, and separate access to gyms and teen center will create a welcoming atmosphere and demonstrate to the community that the YMCA gym and other spaces are community assets and open to all mission similar organizational partners.
Planning for the KidsCampUs campaign began several years ago and involved input from community leaders along the way. The two organizations committed to the joint venture partnership in November 2016, and since that time YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs board members have been collaborated to make KidsCampUs a reality. Community leaders Steve Kelly and Herb Spence are co-chairing the campaign, while Dick Garber is serving as honorary chair. Steve Kelly said, “these organizations work side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. This collaboration is exciting. It’s fresh. Positive. An innovative solution to some challenges this community has struggled with for a long time.”
Since June 2017, the KidsCampUs steering committee has been meeting with area foundations securing their support. The committee is pleased to share that the Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation has given the lead gift, a commitment of one million dollars to the KidsCampUs project. Other foundations have responded proportionately and positively including significant gifts from the Frank N. Andersen Foundation, Covenant HealthCare, the Dow Corning Foundation, The Jury Foundation, Morley Family Foundation, William McNally Family Foundation, Allen E. and Marie A. Nickless Memorial Foundation, Wickson-Link Memorial Foundation, Saginaw Community Foundation, Robert and Eileen Hesse Trust, Huntington Bank Wealth Mangagement funds; Frances Goll Mills Fund, Margaret Jane Stoker Charitable Trust, C. K. Eddy Family Memorial Fund and the Wolohan Family Foundation as well as several generous corporate gifts.
At the core of the partnership between the YMCA of Saginaw and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region, the focus is on giving back and providing support to area neighbors. With doors open to everyone, the partnership works every day to bridge the gaps that divide people in the Saginaw community and to bring the mission of both organizations to all people in every neighborhood. With the combined efforts of members, volunteers, staff and partners, the partnership works to inspire a spirit of service. From children to seniors, they help people embrace their responsibility to their communities.