YMCA Receives $1 Million Pledge From Dekko Foundation
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Staff Report-
Indiana-based Dekko Foundation recently pledged $1 million of support toward the development of a new YMCA facility on U.S. 30 and Mariner Drive. The pledge includes a community challenge that will be announced at the YMCA’s kick-off celebration on June 27 at the future site of the new building. “We are grateful for this very generous gift from the Dekko Foundation,” said Chad Zaucha, YMCA CEO. “We share a focus on youth development and thanks to their support we will be able to serve more children and families in Kosciusko County.” Initial plans for the new YMCA include a youth and teen center, outdoor space for day camp, a health and wellness center, lap pool, instructional warm water pool, multi-purpose gathering spaces, and a double gymnasium. While the YMCA hopes to open the new Y in late 2014, the size, scope and timing of the new YMCA facility will be determined by the generosity of the community in support of this effort. “There is a strong alignment between the Y’s mission and values and those of our foundation,” said Sharon Smith, Dekko Foundation program director. “We invest in projects that help children and youth build the skills, knowledge and character that they’ll need to travel the path toward economic freedom.” The Y is focused on nurturing the potential of every child, Zaucha said. “Yes, we offer swim lessons, day camp, before and afterschool programs, sports and more for children. But more than what we offer, it’s why we offer it.” Zaucha said the YMCA believes that the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. “We are here to support parents, caregivers, and teachers as we all try to grow confident kids into contributing and engaged adults tomorrow,” Zaucha said. “The grant from Dekko will help us carry out that work on a broader scale.”
