As we come to the end of February, we want to recognize several clients who have reached important milestones in their campaigns. We always tell our clients that campaigns take a long time – it’s important to celebrate as you go! Read on for some celebrating with several great organizations.
A HISTORIC CAMPAIGN FOR A HISTORIC ORGANIZATION
When you’ve been part of a community for nearly 160 years – and in the very same building for 120 of those years – change can be welcome, but also tricky. The Carlisle Family YMCA (Carlisle, PA) showed its commitment to the community by staying in its central downtown location and figuring out a way to rebuild their Y… while keeping it open for the members who count on it. Last week, the public phase of their campaign kicked off. Already, it is one of the largest campaigns this city has ever seen, and we are excited for the whole community to learn what’s in store.
PARTNERS IN CHANGE
Some times a gift comes in the form of a $1 million pledge, but other times it is almost priceless! Congratulations to the Bloomington Normal YMCA and Easterseals of Central Illinois in creating a powerful partnership that goes far beyond cash. The YMCA and Easterseals joined in a desire to create one facility to serve the whole family, especially those with children with unique needs. Now, they have gone one step further in partnering with OSF Healthcare St. Joseph Medical Center. This regional hospital is providing a donation of several acres (valued at $3 million) on the hospital grounds to build a facility in the heart of the community. Talk about a win-win-win!
COLLABORATIONS ARE A MULTIPLIER
Capital campaigns take time, but they can go faster when you have the right partner – or partners. Last fall, the Rapid City YMCA announced it would purchase an empty building downtown. “Specifically this move will allow the YMCA to expand early childhood education. We already have a strong program and this makes the program even stronger with a great capacity”, says YMCA Executive Director Roger Gallimore. To make it even better, Rapid City Area Schools will move its administration offices into the same building, allowing its building to be sold to the City Administration office. This move allows all three organizations to better serve their community – especially the kids and families who rely on the Y and the school district to care for and educate their children.
RCAS Superintendent Dr. Lori Simon says, “The city is going to have the space that they need. We are going to have additional space and the ability to partner with one of our key community partners in providing early childhood, and after school programming. I think the sky is the limit for us to think about how that partnership works in the future.”
IT’S A WRAP RAP
Last month we mentioned the ribbon-cutting for the new Dan McKinney Family YMCA in La Jolla, CA. What we didn’t know then was they they had special music at their event. Have a listen for yourself (and make sure to turn up your speakers).
Dan McKinney Family YMCA. It's a wrap! You've gotta hear this.
Posted by Dan McKinney Family YMCA on Thursday, January 18, 2018
This is just a glimpse into the great work we get to see day in and day out in large and small nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations and more. While the campaign sizes may vary, the commitment and courage these leaders show is always impressive. Thanks for letting us play a part in your story!