Centier Bank associates recently gathered with members of the Gary Rotary Club for a community volunteer event to help build a new playground at the YWCA of Northwest Indiana in Gary. Centier Bank also presented a big check for $5,000, a community donation that helped fund the new playground.
Jason Harris, Community Lender Manager at Centier Bank as well as President of the Gary Rotary Club, helped facilitate the partnership, said seeing volunteers from both organizations work together in the name of creating a space for play and enjoyment in the community was significant.
“Centier and the Gary Rotary are two groups of individuals that care dearly for our community and give back to those in need,” Harris expressed. “The renovation was much needed. This project was a true example of Centier’s Servant Heart Culture and Rotary’s motto, ‘Service Above Self.’”
Harris said community collaboration through volunteerism is truly rewarding. The initial fundraising goal was $25,000 to renovate the existing park and build a new play system for preschool children. But thanks to generous donors, they were able to raise $53,050. With the additional funds, they were able to upgrade the ground covering to rubber mulch and replace the existing four-foot chain-link fence to a six- foot security fence.
Caren Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA of Northwest Indiana, said the children who attend after school, summer camp, and daycare programs will benefit greatly from the donation.
“We want to express our sincere gratitude to all who volunteered their time and made this playground build possible,” Jones said. “The investment in the YWCA directly benefits hundreds of children throughout the year, and this is only possible because of thoughtful contributions from wonderful organizations like Centier Bank and the Gary Rotary.”
Jones said she’s excited to see “pure joy” on the children’s faces when the playground is done being built. A playground unveiling ceremony is taking place June 14.
