COMMUNITY PHASE OF CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR A NEW Y MEETS ANOTHER MILESTONE: $1.7 MILLION RAISED
Eugene, Ore., February 11, 2022 —
More than 80 donors contributed to a $250,000 match launched Jan. 3, bringing the total dollars raised in the $5 million Community Phase of the Campaign for a New Y to $1,726,106.
“We are witnessing an incredible outpouring of support for the New Y as well as personal stories of how the Y has been there when people needed it most,” said Danielle Uhlhorn, Chief Development Officer for the Eugene Family YMCA. “There is deep generosity in this community and a recognition that we all need a new Y with expanded programs and services.”
The most recent match of $250,000 was donated by Deployed Logix (DLX), a local company that provides equipment for first responders around the world. _0.jpg)
The New Y project inspired DLX because it is poised to be a welcoming, easily-accessible, engaging facility for those with disabilities.
“Sometimes families like mine feel marginalized,” said Katie Urhausen, a mom to a daughter with severe disabilities and spokesperson/co-founder for DLX. “It means a lot just to be acknowledged and included. The Y recognizes, welcomes and engages people with disabilities, but can’t put forth their best effort because of the constraints of the old facility.”
The first match, a $500,000 donation from an anonymous family, was met in 6 weeks by 441 donors.
“The Y inspired me and gave me hope when I needed it most,” said the $500,000 anonymous challenge match donor, who used the YMCA’s fitness and child care services during a financially difficult period and was able to complete a college degree due in large part to the support from the YMCA. “The Y was critical then and, similar to so many other people now, it continues to be an important part of our family’s life and the broader community. I am thrilled that my contribution inspired so many others to help expand the Y in a way that will truly help thousands more individuals and families in the future.”
Exceeding these matches means that the New Y project is only $3,273,894 away from groundbreaking.
Longtime Y member Andy Small stepped up to move this project closer to that goal.
“I thought it was prime time to contribute to a facility that brings community together, a true community space,” said Small, who loves to play tennis at the Y. “I’m conscious of the critical need people have to recreate, socialize and have an outlet for their energy. And I am happy to be in a position to be able to be generous. Let’s get this new facility constructed!”
Completing the $5 million final fundraising push will mean groundbreaking in July and a grand opening in December 2023.
“We are so close we can see the finish line,” said Eugene Y CEO Brian Steffen. “It will take a collective effort—the equivalent of the crowds of people who line a marathon route to cheer on the runners—to make it there, but we’ve already witnessed the power of this community and we have confidence that they will see us to the end!”
Media inquires, please contact:
Eugene Family YMCA
Beth Casper
503-302-8776 (mobile)
beth@eugeneymca.org
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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 2020, the Eugene Family YMCA awarded $413,506 in financial assistance. The YMCA has been serving the Eugene-area since 1887.
