Highly anticipated new Riverside Y remains on schedule to open late summer
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – July 14, 2016 – Mirroring the construction progress of the new Winston Family YMCA located on Riverside Avenue, the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast is pleased to announce that its community fundraising campaign has less than $2 million to raise on a goal of $21 million. As a result of the generosity of community partners, the Y has received $770,000 in donations since May this year and $33,410 from the recently- launched brick paver recognition campaign, combining for a total of $19 million.
“Financial gifts to the Winston YMCA will help advance services that support the steady growth of downtown Jacksonville and have a direct impact on residents right here on the First Coast,” said Nekita Nesmith, senior vice president and chief development officer at YMCA of Florida’s First Coast.
The following companies and individuals are among those who have made a donation to the Winston Y fundraising campaign since May:
- Bank of America
- Delores Barr Weaver Fund
- FIS
- Merrill Lynch Employee Philanthropic Fund
- Norcross Foundation, Inc.
- Penny Zuber
Remaining on schedule to open in late August, the Winston YMCA’s construction crews are currently completing interior painting, flooring, millwork installation and landscaping.
“Our community has rallied around the fundraising efforts to help make this new Winston Family YMCA a reality,” said YMCA of Florida’s First Coast President and CEO Eric Mann. “As the Y continues to build a better, healthier community, the new flagship branch will showcase the most diverse and inclusive spirit of the city that we live in.”
The new facility will open its doors with a lineup of brand new programs including 180 group exercise classes a week, aqua fitness, an adult basketball league, fluidity barre and a KidZone with a floor-to-ceiling interactive sensory system. In addition to the exercise component, the Y’s Healthy Living Center will provide accessible programs on a range of topics from community health concerns to healthy lifestyle suggestions.
Community members who are interested in making a donation to help reach the Y’s fundraising goal can still contribute in any amount. Available space naming opportunities are as following:
| Spiritual Wellness Center | $500,000 |
| Massage Suite | $150,000 |
| Men’s Sauna | $50,000 |
| Ladies’ Sauna | $50,000 |
| Stairwell | $30,000 |
| Locker Room Corridor | $30,000 |
| KidZone Nook | $30,000 |
| Aquatic – Member Storage Area | $30,000 |
| Staff Offices (2) | $25,000 each |
For more information and to donate today, contact Nekita Nesmith at 904-265-1812.
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The Y
For more than 100 years, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has been providing men, women and children of all ages, and from all walks of life, opportunities to build stronger bonds, live healthy and become more engaged with their communities. Learn more: www.FirstCoastYMCA.org.
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