$1 MILLION MATCH WILL COMPLETE THE COMMUNITY PHASE OF THIS IS Y CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR A NEW FLAGSHIP FACILITY
Tykeson Family Foundation’s Influential Donation Promises to Bring the $5 Million Community Phase Across the Finish Line
Eugene, Ore., May 11, 2022 – The Eugene Family YMCA needs to raise only $1 million to reach its Capital Campaign Community Phase goal of $5 million thanks to hundreds of generous donors and an influential new match challenge from the Tykeson Family Foundation.
“As the Y’s capital campaign enters its final stage, the Tykeson Family Foundation is excited to provide a matching—dollar-for-dollar contribution—up to $1 million for all new donations and pledges from the community,” said Amy Tykeson, Trustee of the Tykeson Family Foundation. “We hope this match will aid the final sprint to the completion so construction can get underway as soon as possible.”
The community has already raised $3 million toward the $5 million community phase goal.
“We are grateful for the Tykeson Family Foundation’s visionary perspective and absolute commitment to the prosperity of this community,” said Kendra Goldberg, daughter of the late Scott Chambers, trustee of the Chambers Family Foundation and co-chair of the community phase of the campaign. “We are at a crucial point in the campaign when momentum and urgency meet. It is a powerful moment for leaders in the community to come together in this shared vision. If you’ve been thinking about supporting the new Y, consider this your invitation to join the Tykesons in taking this project from blueprints to bulldozers.”
The new Y is scheduled to break ground in July 2022 and open in December 2023.
“I have such admiration for the Tykeson Family Foundation’s recognition of the need for a new Y,” said Eugene Family YMCA Chief Development Officer Danielle Uhlhorn. “Their support means we will reach our goal and break ground quickly so that we can get to the real work—serving Lane County by nurturing children, combating diseases and creating opportunities to build community and connections.”
The new 75,000-square-foot facility is designed to serve thousands more in the decades to come, as well as eliminate inefficient or unusable spaces. It will feature:
● A fully ADA-accessible, flexible floor plan that can change as needed
● Activity centers for academic tutoring, maker spaces and learning labs
● A teaching kitchen for families and individuals to gain nutritional knowledge
● An expanded Health & Wellness Center that includes an indoor track and cycle room
● An expanded Aquatics Center to teach youth safety skills, support rehabilitation and preventative care, and a splash pad for introducing water to toddlers
● The addition of critical programs like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s support, and Falls Prevention
● The highest level of seismic standards so the building can be re-purposed as a shelter after a devastating earthquake
“This brand-new facility will be state of the art as well as approachable and accessible with more capacity to serve the greater Lane County area,” Tykeson said. “The new Y will give kids and families an added boost for fitness and belonging, provide a point of connection with fellow residents, and generate community pride. I can’t wait to see it in use!”
CEO Brian Steffen, authorized by the YMCA Board of Directors, signed a guaranteed maximum price contract with Chambers Construction May 5 that would result in a total project cost of $47.6 million. As expected, costs escalated during the campaign due to global supply chain issues and rising wages for construction workers.
“The $1 million challenge match from the Tykeson Family Foundation is critical to keep the momentum on this important project,” said Y CEO Steffen. “We are incredibly grateful to Amy Tykeson and her family’s foundation for spreading energy and passion for this project as we reach the community phase’s home stretch!”
To join the campaign for a new Y and have your donation matched, visit the Y’s Webpage.
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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.
