Raising funds for a 58,725-squarefoot complex on 150 acres may sound like a daunting task for a non-profit organization like the YMCA.
But YMCA board president Greg Morrison says it’s another day at the office for the YMCA’s 14-member board of directors.
“That (fund-raising) is a huge part of our job,” he said. “And to build something like this new complex takes private dollars, and it takes people who are committed to doing it.”
At that, Morrison says the $17 million project on the corner of Knight and Preston streets, which was seeded with $10.7 million by BHP Billiton, is 85 percent funded.
BHP Billiton is an Australian-based global resources company that purchased Petrohawk, a company that was a part of Haynesville Shale.
“When BPH Billiton comes into an area, they have what they call a legacy project,” YMCA Chief Executive Officer Gary Lash said.
It’s just what was needed to get the new complex off the ground.
“If we can improve the quality of life for people in this area and develop an economic engine at the same time, we know we have an impactful, lasting community investment,” said Tim Cutt of BHP Billiton.
Recent YMCA board member Mark Sealy says it is good to see the community supporting the project.
“The Y continues to raise money to fully fund the project without borrowing money,” he said. “Capital raising is ongoing, but it is substantially complete. We need to get over the hurdle and move on to other projects like (Camp) Forbing and possibly Bossier in the near future.”
Marketing & Communications Director Michelle Roberts said the Y’s Web site is currently under reconstruction.
“It is still functioning and has not only a list of all the programs offered by the Y but also ways to contribute,” Roberts said. “We will be updating that information, so people will know what they can do to help us with this building project.”
She says “The Y. For a better us.”
Capital Campaign is under way. Donations can be made online at www. ymcanwla.org/support-the-y or mailed to YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, 400 McNeill Street, Shreveport, LA 71101.
Permanent donation acknowledgments within the new facility begin as low as $100 for an engraved brick to be displayed in the entrance of the new building. Additional acknowledgment and major gift-naming opportunities are available within the new facility ranging from $150 to $750,000.
The YMCA is a 501c3 and is funded by membership fees, an annual campaign and donations.
“Fees are on a sliding scale, dependent on household income,” Lash said. “Or you can donate to the Y and come use the facilities.”
