EUGENE FAMILY YMCA INVITES COMMUNITY TO RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY AND OPEN HOUSE FOR THE NEW Y
The Saturday event celebrates the opening of the state-of-the-art facility, the visionary philanthropists who ensured its completion and the community members changing their lives inside its walls
Eugene, Ore., Dec. 12, 2023 – Staff, Board of Directors, volunteers and donors are thrilled to invite the community to the ribbon-cutting ceremony and following open house for the brand-new Eugene Family YMCA’s Don Stathos Campus at 600 E. 24th Ave.
“Thi momentous occasion marks a dream realized,” said CEO Brian Steffen. “A dream that began more than a decade ago and involved thousands of people who care about this community, the health of individuals, the development of children and the support of families. Now with the doors opening, we turn to the next chapter: one that involves nurturing people to reach their full potential.”
What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. followed by an open house until 3 p.m.
When: Saturday, Dec. 16th
Where: 600 E. 24th Ave.
“We welcome the entire community to this ribbon cutting because it was envisioned, built and opened for everyone,” said Chief Development Officer Danielle Uhlhorn. “The generosity of visionary philanthropists created this Y to improve the lives of everyone in our community for the next 100 years. We’re excited to present to the community their new YMCA on behalf of all of those who made this dream a reality.”
This is the community’s opportunity to be a part of history and a whole new era in the Y’s legacy in Lane County. Established in 1887 on the University of Oregon campus, the Y has evolved to respond to community needs from serving college students seeking direction in life to providing child care for emergency workers during the COVID pandemic.
“We don’t know exactly how the Y will be needed in the future,” said YMCA Board President Joe Carmichael. “But what we do know is that having a Y in the community makes a significant positive impact on those who live here.”
The ribbon-cutting features local leaders and community-minded individuals officially opening the facility. During the Open House that follows, the public can:
- Take a self-guided tour of the entire facility. Y staff will be stationed in each space to answer any questions
- View murals by local artists. (Muralists will attend part of the day.)
- Participate in a scavenger hunt to find those secret or surprise features that will make you smile
- Spin the wheel for Y prizes
- Pose at a photo booth
- Watch an aerial yoga or capoeira demonstration
- Explain what they love about the new Y at a video booth
- Purchase limited-edition new Y swag
- Sign up for a Y membership and enjoy the $0 joining fee
Note: The new Y is ADA-accessible and the ribbon cutting features an ASL interpreter. The Y is not open for traditional classes or programs until Monday, Dec. 18.
December Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve)
Media Contact:
Beth Casper
Marketing & Communications Director
Eugene Family YMCA
541.686.9622 ext. 240
503.302.8776 (cell)
beth@eugeneymca.org
About the Eugene Family YMCA
The Eugene Family YMCA is one of the region's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each year across Lane County, the Y engages more than 18,000 people regardless of age, gender, income or background—to nurture the potential of children, teens and seniors; improve health and well-being; and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2022, the Eugene Family YMCA awarded $492,451 in financial assistance. The YMCA has been serving the Eugene-area since 1887.
