The Central Lincoln County YMCA announced this week that a gift of $400,000 has been received from the Arthur N. Berry and Marion D. Berry trusts, putting the Y just one million away from reaching its Phase One goal of $6 million and $3.5 million away from completing the entire project.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous gift from the Berry estate, which comes at a pivotal time in our fundraising,” said Meagan Hamblett, CLC Y CEO. “We are nearing the finish line to break ground in April of 2017. The time is now, during the community phase of the campaign, for all community members to join our efforts and make a contribution, no matter how large or small. YMCA’s are renovated and built by the community for their community. Our Y is no different.”

The Y recently launched the community phase of its capital campaign — Imagine the Future — asking the community to consider making a one-time donation or a five-year pledge toward this longtime dream of creating an updated Y facility for all who live in the 10-town, 25-mile service area the Y serves. Large thermometers are located throughout the community showing the progress of the Y’s capital campaign, which has now reached the $5 million mark with the recent gift.

Phase One of the facility design, which is estimated to cost $6 million, will include a new fitness center, teaching kitchen and communal space, an elevator, elevated running track, an open lobby and welcome center, an intergenerational room, a circulation spine from the front of the building to the new suite of locker rooms and an additional studio for fitness classes.  Phase Two, which is estimated to cost an additional $3.5 million, completes the project with an aquatic center and family locker room. The new look and updated features will modernize the facility where the Y can continue its mission to support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

“We know how long this community has waited for a contemporary Y with capacity to serve the community according to its mission,” said Dennis Anderson, board chair, CLC YMCA. “This new gift, for which we are extremely grateful, builds hope and excitement as we continue positive momentum toward our goal of a sustainable healthy living facility and community center where individuals and families can live better, healthier and more active lives for decades to come.”

To learn more about the Y’s Capital Campaign and how to make a donation, visit www.clcymca.org/ and click on Donate to Capital Campaign button on the home page, drop off a donation directly at the Y, or mail in your pledge card that will be arriving shortly.