What’s New for 2010

• We are very pleased to report that the Oregon State Parks Department has approved the conversion of the YMCA parcel at Timber-Linn Park. The conversion request has since been forwarded to the National Parks System with a ruling expected in January 2010.  Once this request is approved, the Albany City Council will conduct a public hearing and make a final decision to confer the new site parcel to the YMCA.
• Once the YMCA becomes the owner of the site, we will review our timing for groundbreaking on the new faclity in hopes of having the capacity to break ground in the summer or fall of 2010.
• We are in search of a buyer for the existing YMCA site at 34^th and Pacific. It is our hope that recent announcements of the WalMart, Lowe’s and police services site projects will encourage interest in the YMCA’s site as well.  Confirmation of a buyer is essential to our project moving forward.
• Total campaign assets have reached $11,224,797 including the $3M appraised value of our current site and the City’s $1.5M contribution to the project.
• The YMCA recently launched a new Volleyball Academy with 32 girls, 5 boys and 6 women. Under the leadership of Dave Kellar, the Academy is designed for those wanting a comprehensive developmental/competitive volleyball experience.
• The YMCA’s need for scholarships continues to reach all time highs. To respond to the tremendous need, a local benefactor has issued a $20,000 matching gift challenge for year end gifts to the scholarship fund. One in five YMCA members now request financial assistance, compared to one in ten at the beginning of 2009.  If you can help with a tax deductible year end contribution to the YMCA scholarship fund, please contact Executive Director, Jim Asleson at (541) 926-4488, ext 303.

A.C. Green Dinner – A Big Success!

The YMCA’s Benefit Dinner with OSU and NBA legend A.C. Green was a great success!  The event was held on November 21st at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center.  A.C. delivered an inspirational message of youth character development to the187 youth and adults in attendance, many of whom were clad in Oregon State black and orange.   He recounted his days at Benson High in Portland, his collegiate career at Oregon State and his professional career with the Showtime Los Angeles Lakers.  (A.C. is the NBA’s Ironman and still holds the record for most consecutive games played at 1,192.)  Autographed basketballs and an A.C. Green OSU basketball jersey were auctioned with proceeds benefiting the YMCA scholarship fund for needy children and families.

With the announcement of a $10,000 matching gift fund made possible by local donors, a total of $18,770 in contributions were received for the scholarship fund during the event.  A.C. arrived early to meet event sponsors and stayed long after the event until the last ball or photo was signed.  A.C. shared his personal daily conviction to “Fear the Lord and love God” and shared his faith in many ways throughout the evening.  Also featured was United Way Director Greg Roe who gave a testimonial about his involvement with the Y-Mentoring program and his junior partner Jonah.

Event sponsors included Central Willamette Community Credit Union, Coastal  Farm & Ranch, Albany Democrat Herald, Linn County Fair Expo Center, Fitzpatrick Painting and Express Employment Professionals.  The YMCA is a 501c3 not for profit charitable organization accepting contributions to it’s scholarship fund on a year round basis.  If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution, please contact Jim Asleson, Executive Director, Mid-Willamette Family YMCA, 541-926-4488, ext 303 or via email at executive@ymcaalbany.org.