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Community Seeks Donations for Save the Tecumseh YMCA Fund

NEW CARLISLE, OHIO, November 18, 2009 . . . After 30 years of delivering family-friendly health and fitness programs to residents in western Clark County and the surrounding area, the Tecumseh YMCA will close on December 23, 2009, if it does not raise $175,000 to pay off its mortgage and become debt free.
“We’re committed to doing everything we can to stay open, so we established the Save the Tecumseh YMCA Fund, with the hope that the local community and beyond will open up their hearts and wallets during this time of need,” said Kelli Whitt, Transitional Operations Manager.

Impact on Community
The impact of closing the Y would be far-reaching, affecting people of all ages. The Tecumseh YMCA is one of only two providers of preschool and kindergarten enrichment in New Carlisle. Its aquatic center is the training site for the Greenon, Tecumseh, and Northwestern high school swim teams; it is also the home base for the Y’s own 50-member Tidal Waves swim team. The YMCA has an extensive gymnastics facility used exclusively by its 14-member team, many of whom have qualified for Nationals five of the last seven years. The YMCA offers essential health and wellness programs, including youth and adult sports and fitness classes, plus arthritis and rehabilitation in Clark County’s only warm-water therapy pool. And the Tecumseh YMCA serves as a social center for people of all ages, including an extensive senior population.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, YMCA members are rallying behind the Y. Within the past week alone:

Twelve new members joined and 25 families renewed their memberships. “Due to the uncertainty of our future, we are not allowing anyone to pay in full, yet they continue to join,” said Whitt. Further, enrollment in the childcare program continues to rise.

When informed about the Y’s financial difficulties, some members increased their monthly bank drafts, directing that the additional monies go toward the Y’s debt. Other supporters gave cash donations; still others wrote checks.

Although fitness classes were temporarily suspended as a cost-saving measure, many instructors taught on a voluntary basis.

“We have a dedicated staff, faithful members, and a strong desire to succeed,” said Whitt. “What we don’t have are deep pockets.” The Tecumseh YMCA is located on the outskirts of New Carlisle, a rural community with a median household income of approximately $39,000. Unemployment in the area is more than 11 percent.

Financial History
The YMCA’s financial difficulties started in 2004 when the facility built a $1.2 million aquatic center. Over the next three years, memberships went up substantially, from 774 to 3,700. By the end of 2006, it was evident that while revenues were up, they were still insufficient to cover the initial debt, as well as the added overhead costs associated with the expansion.

The YMCA sought assistance from the Turner Foundation, a charitable organization that helps improve the quality of life in the greater Springfield/Clark County area by investing in non-profit groups. The Turner Foundation committed to making payments on the principle, while the Tecumseh YMCA retained responsibility for the annual $100,000 interest payment.

In 2007 an anonymous patron offered to match donations made to the YMCA through the end of the year. Members and local community groups rallied and raised $75,000, for a year-end grand total of $150,000. This fund-raising initiative helped the YMCA meet its financial obligations in 2007 and 2008.

By the end of 2008, a decrease in memberships resulted in declining revenues. As a result, the YMCA, in partnership with the Turner Foundation, began negotiations with National City (now PNC) to refinance the mortgage. Thanks to the generosity of the Turner Foundation and the willingness of PNC to refinance the loan, the YMCA’s portion of the debt now stands at $175,000.

During the last six months, the Y’s Board of Trustees has made a number of internal changes to improve business operations. They cut staff, including the CEO’s position, in order to hire a finance director to oversee spending and revenues; to develop and implement efficient accounting procedures; and to create a sound financial plan to help the Tecumseh YMCA achieve another 30 years of success. At the board’s request, the YMCA reduced hours of operation and temporarily suspended classes to save on overhead. Further, all expenditures were evaluated to reduce or eliminate unnecessary costs.

The Tecumseh YMCA has received a financial gift to cover existing operational expenses through the end of 2009. If the YMCA can raise the $175,000 needed to retire its mortgage debt, it will once again be a financially sound non-profit organization.

“So many essential programs and services will be lost if the Tecumseh YMCA were to close,” said Whitt. “We’re not a financially wealthy community, but we do have a wealth of faith. We believe that when others fully understand the situation, they will give what they can to help us survive. And we, in turn, will be able to continue to give back to others by delivering our mission-driven programs and services.”
To make a pledge to the Save the Tecumseh YMCA Fund, please visit www.tecumsehymca.org; or to request a pledge card or make a pledge by phone, call 937-845-3513. The Tecumseh YMCA is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit Organization.

About the Tecumseh YMCA
The Tecumseh YMCA’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Tecumseh YMCA offers more than 80 programs and services to nearly 2,500 members and serves a geographic area that includes New Carlisle, Park Layne, Crystal Lake, Medway, Donnelsville, North Hampton, and Enon. Located within the New Carlisle city limits on State Route 235, the YMCA facility features an indoor Olympic-size swimming pool, Clark County’s only warm-water therapy pool, handicap-accessible family locker rooms, state-of-the-art Nautilus and cardio equipment, free weight room, indoor walking track, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, children’s learning center and playground area, gymnastic facility, and outdoor walking trail.