Members of the YMCA of Mount Vernon are enjoying the benefits of a much-needed $3.5-million renovation following a successful capital campaign.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Sept. 20 to officially recognize the completion of the extensive project, which began construction in 2019.
“We completed the last project right before the shutdown due to COVID,” said Nick Clark, executive director of the YMCA. “Then, when we opened back up, we were still dealing with the pandemic like everybody else. Once we did the finishing touches and got the donors all recognized, we wanted to take a moment to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate.”
Major upgrades at the YMCA include the installation of a new HVAC system to improve temperature control and air quality; improved accessibility for the disabled; and larger areas for child care, employee workspace and security.
“We created areas so it can be way more productive for our employees to service our members and program participants,” Clark said.
The Ariel Foundation in Mount Vernon was the largest donor during the capital campaign, contributing $1.5 million that helped shape the vision of the project.
“It formed what the campaign would ultimately be and what our project would ultimately be,” Clark said. “They’re so, so generous and so supportive of this community.”
The Knox County Foundation offered the largest grant in its history, but there were 500 individual donors to the project.
“Not only did we have phenomenal lead gifts, but we also had really good broad-based support,” Clark said.
The YMCA has an overall membership of more than 3,000 people, and all seem to be enjoying the benefits of the renovation, according to Clark.
“Everything is done, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about the end product,” he said. “Most importantly, everything is getting utilized. The 'Y' is busier than ever. Our programs are packed, and people have come back to normal life, hopefully, as we near the end of the pandemic.”
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