Be A lifesaver - Make your end of the year donation to the New Rochelle YMCA!

Update as of December 19, 2014

• Raised $79,776.75 in contributions and pledges from YMCA website/mail in contributions and pledges from YMCA website/Mail
• $545 on the Indiegogo site
  
  TOTAL RAISED SO FAR: $80,321.75

KEEP THE DONATIONS COMING!!!

What’s our goal?

The New Rochelle YMCA is facing a major repair of the pool area – a project that will cost $1.3 million. The YMCA goal is to raise $300,000, the first phase by December 2014. Our Be a Lifesaver capital campaign aims to raise or get pledges for 100% of this money by the end December, when construction is slated to start.

Why do we need your help?

Since we’re an independent YMCA, we do not receive funding from the National YMCA. We need members, friends, and you, our Indiegogo angels, to help and be part of the solution. If we cannot raise these funds, our pool will have to close for good, and, since the pool is a major source of funding for us, we would have to close our doors to the community entirely.

Who are we?

Since 1899, the New Rochelle YMCA has served New Rochelle, NY and the surrounding towns through the use of its pool, which has allowed us to offer a wide variety of aquatic programs, teaching literally thousands of young people to swim. In 2013 alone, we offered 42 swim lesson scholarships to low-income families. Many swim students graduate from lessons to swim competitively, qualify as lifeguards, and become instructors, giving back to the community by serving the next generation. We annually train and employ dozens of young people locally and throughout the country.

Over 2,100,000 people have passed through the YMCA doors since 1984. This year alone we project over 75,000 member visits! Providing incredibly valuable services at affordable fees is core to our mission.

But who are we, really?

• Our Youth Sports program serves nearly 460 participants annually.
• Our After School Program serves over 140 participants, including children from single parent and middle/low income families.
• Our Summer Camp hosts 150 campers with many receiving scholarships and third party assistance.
• Our Universal Pre-K teaches and nurtures 50 students daily.
• We offer community space for local groups, health fairs and blood drives.
• Exercise classes are offered for seniors and disabled members 6 days per week.
• We train and employ over 100 people annually.

What’s our challenge?

Our plan had been to take out our drop ceiling, which is no longer permitted in pool design, to add windows in the pool area for energy-saving natural light, and to update our locker rooms.

However, during the process, our engineers discovered that the steel beams supporting the roof structure had corroded, and some of them may require replacement. The drop ceiling trapped moisture and hid the problem. Compounding the issue, the ventilation system was not adequate to remove the moisture. In order to do this work, we will have to close the pool during construction, starting at the end of December.

Why should you help us (and not someone else)?

Your support will, quite literally, transform lives: a child will learn how to swim; a widowed Senior will find community; a heart patient will get a second chance.

The impact of our services is felt in communities beyond New Rochelle, including Mount Vernon, the Bronx, Pelham and others. Now look closer for a snapshot of who we serve, and how, by the numbers:

Number of children involved in swim program from 1984 to present

33,00 swim lesson participants

Number of day campers in pool from 1984 to present

3,300

Number of hours of family swim time since 1984

14,400 hours

Number of members in structured, high-quality swim programs in 2013

1,320

Number of adults and teens who took swim lessons in 2013

195

Who else is on board?

Along with this Indiegogo outreach, we are working with local politicians who we hope will contribute to our efforts to raise the needed funds. Members are planning swim-a-thons, throwing Pool (cocktail) Parties, and participating in other fundraisers. They’re telling their “Y Stories” to inspire others.

What’s our plan moving forward?

If all goes according to schedule, we expect to have the renovations to the ceiling, pool windows, and locker areas complete and the pool reopened by next summer.The New Rochelle YMCA pool will be in excellent condition and well-positioned to serve the region and its swimmers for years to come!

While our vision starts with a revitalized pool, it doesn’t stop there. Our plan is to expand our services to the community with our improved space. Post-renovation, new and expanded programming will include:

• Free, twice weekly water safety classes for all K-2 students who live in New Rochelle.
• A free Saturday night safe haven recreation program for Y teens in grades 6-8.
• Sunday afternoon “Family Time” activities for members.

This is vital programming. We can make all kids safe swimmers, keep teens off the streets, and strengthen families. We can change our community for the better. But we can’t do it without your help.

Is the New Rochelle Y participating in #Giving Tuesday?

You’ve heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – days for getting great deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving. On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, like-minded people around the world will come together for a common purpose: to give back. Let’s celebrate #Giving Tuesday together. Please consider supporting the New Rochelle YMCA.

How much have you raised so far?

Over $20,000 in the first week alone!

What’s in it for me?

Besides being a Lifesaver, you mean? If you donate between $1 and $999, you’ll make the New Rochelle YMCA sponsor roster on our website. If you can do even more, check out these limited Be a Lifesaver naming opportunities.

$1,000,000

“Name the YMCA Family Center”

$300,000

Swimming Pool

$250,000

Replace Pool Roof Deck

$250,000

HVAC/Dehumidification Unit

$100,000

Women’s and Girl’s Locker Room

$100,000

Men’s and Boy’s Locker Room

$75,000

Energy efficient lighting in pool

$50,000

Windows

$25,000

Pool Bleachers and Seating Area

$15,000

ADA Lift for Pool

$10,000 (20 total)

1 foot by 1 foot tile plaque in Pool Area

$5,000(10 total)

8 “ by 8” tile plaque

$2500 (10 total)

4” by 8” tile plaque

$1,000 (250 total)

4” by 4” tile plaque

Every donation, no matter how small, will help. But if you’re just not able right now, we would still be grateful for other kinds of help from you:

• Use the Indiegogo share tools
• Follow/Favorite/Retweet us on
• Like and Share our Facebook Page

Together we can do so much more. So stay tuned . . .