Economy takes toll on YMCA fundraising

By Jordan Cohen

The board chairman said he is still pleased with the results.

WARREN — When the Warren/Trumbull County YMCA set a fundraising goal of $200,000 last November, board Chairman Bill Beinecke thought that reaching it would be a challenge in a down economy.

He was right.

The drive, which ended March 1, fell far short. It raised $60,000.

“[The goal] was a stretch,” Beinecke said, “but we still raised more money than we’ve generated in the past, and we’re putting it in the facility to improve our infrastructure and programs.

“We are grateful that people were so generous in these tough times.”

Wendy Marvin, YMCA interim director, said the infrastructure improvements include upgrades to the mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, installation of a new boiler for the building, and insulation and windows above the third-floor gymnasium.

“We’ll get our costs back through our energy efficiency and utility savings,” Marvin said.

She added that there are a number of improvements the High Street facility requires, but those will have to be delayed due to lack of funds. She said the roof needs to be replaced, but repairs have been limited to patching.

One addition made possible through the fundraising drive is the purchase of 10 spinning bikes and the remodeling of a room to accommodate them. Marvin said she had hoped to buy new bikes but had to settle for used ones that will be refurbished.

She said one contributor, who asked to remain anonymous, paid for 20 youth memberships for underprivileged children. The additional revenue has also enabled the Y to offer various scholarships to 12 participants in the youth basketball program.

However, Beinecke said the need for funding is ongoing, and the Y plans another campaign in late summer or early fall. He said it is too early to set a goal.

“We’ll have to see how things play out and the economy goes,” Beinecke said.

The chairman said the game plan for replacing the facility in five years has not changed. The Y complex was built in 1928, and the 30-year-old Eastwood facility in Niles was closed in October to reduce operating costs.

“I believe that because of the declining revenue base of Trumbull County, more organizations will have to pull together because we’re all competing for the same money,” Beinecke said.