When it’s raining in Portage, it’s raining in the Portage Township YMCA. In 2008, the Portage Y invested $5.5 million into the community by increasing its footprint with an additional 35,000 square feet. The YMCA added a new gymnasium and track, and expanded the cardio center, childcare and development center, and other common areas to support the facilities that are used by over 13,000 people each month. While the newly constructed areas were topped off by a new metal roof, the original building’s 17,000 square foot flat roof was not replaced and has been leaking for over two years. The cost of replacing the rubber roof is estimated to be $160,000. As such, the largest charity in Portage is asking its neighbors for help. The Board of Directors will kick off a capital campaign named “Rally ‘Round the Roof” on October 1.
“We’re asking the entire community, both businesses and families, to join together and support their neighbor who can’t raise his roof by himself,” said former Board President, John Craighead. “As a charity, the Y depends on the financial generosity and philanthropy from the community it serves. Membership fees neither cover the costs of the Y’s youth and adult programming, nor fuel its mission.”
Mr. Craighead continued, “The Portage Y is still over $4.4 million in debt. Revenue from membership and program fees support the Y’s operations, but falls short of funding the organization’s capital investments and scholarship programs. We need the community to rally.”
Interim CEO, Amber Alexander, added, “Every time it rains, the Y must strategically set out empty coffee cans to catch dripping water around the building. What you have to understand is that the leaking roof is less of a capital problem and more of a people problem. The water is falling on real people: the preschoolers, the health seekers, and the seniors. This building is here for people, but it’s hard to serve them well when our resources are diverted to ‘coffee can management.’ Donors can be certain that this capital expense impacts people as much as an Annual Campaign pledge.”
Benefactors who contribute to the campaign will be recognized by having their names engraved on the Portage Y’s donor wall in the lobby, which will be seen by over 156,000 people annually. As an added perk, donors who give $500 and above will also be invited to attend, at no cost, the Portage Brewfest, a craft beer tasting event that raises funds for the YMCA’s Annual Campaign.
Board of Directors Treasurer, Jake Reeder, explained, “We want our donors to become connected to the YMCA, to engage with us. People who attend our events realize that the Y works very hard to raise money, especially when charitable giving levels are low. This event and others showcase the Y’s passion for its mission. You can’t help but feel part of something really big and important.”
If you or your organization can donate to the campaign or need additional information, contact Jan Zurek at (219) 762-9622.
The Portage Township YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization focused on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Its mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Since it was founded in 1969, the Portage Y has served residents in Portage, South Haven, and Eastern Lake County to strengthen individuals, families, and the community.