Fundraising efforts are well underway for the Caroline County Family Y in Denton, MD. In November 2010, residents of Caroline County will be able to participate in youth programs, cardiovascular and strength training, and group exercise classes at the Y’s newly renovated facility in the Denton Plaza, on Route 404 in Denton. The location, formerly the Hallmark Card Shop, offers 11,400 square feet of space to accommodate the comprehensive health and wellness facility. When completed, the facility will also feature day care facilities, men’s and women’s locker rooms and showers, and social and meeting space.
The Y of Talbot County currently has 1,400 members from Caroline County. According to Robbie Gill, CEO of the Y of Talbot County, the organization has been participating in a visioning process to determine the need for facilities in Talbot, Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties. It was determined that there was a need for a facility in Caroline County to address the current health and wellness issues there. The Y is committed to strengthening communities in the area of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Gill comments, “After conducting a feasibility study as to the best location for the facility in Caroline County, it was determined that the location at the Denton Plaza would reach the majority of residents in the county.”
In 2009, the Y of Talbot County collaborated with the Caroline County Public Schools to offer group exercise classes to school employees in the county. Over 200 employees participated in these classes.
Gill states, “This is a great step for the Y. With all the residents who currently utilize the Y, there are five times as many who don’t come. We are excited about the opportunity for our volunteers and staff to impact the lives of these local residents.”
Membership rates will be the same for all locations. Y members will have the opportunity to use any of the Y facilities inEaston, St. Michaels, Chesapeake College and Denton. The Y entered into a long term lease with the Denton Plaza and is currently fundraising for the new facility as part of its current Capital Campaign. Its fundraising efforts are part of an expansion of the Y’s expansion of services, similar to the recent expansion of the Y’s facilities in St. Michaels. The current goal to fund the Caroline County project is $200,000.
Gill adds, “It will take the entire community to support the fundraising efforts underway.”
The Y has sought guidance from its current Caroline County board members Keith McMahan, Randy Holliday and David Nagel, and former board member C. O. Johnson. Original fundraising for the Caroline County facility began with a committee of several dedicated individuals. According to Gill, the dreams of this group are finally being realized.
Keith McMahan, president and CEO of Tri-Gas & Oil, comments, “Through my own experience at the Y, I have observed everyone from preschool age to senior citizens benefiting from programs at the Y. The health benefits to the residents ofCaroline County will be tremendous. Through this new facility, youth, adults and families will be able to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body.”
According to David Nagel, president and CEO of Nagel Farm Service, Inc., who is working with McMahan on the Y’s fundraising efforts, “I am excited about meeting the needs of our youth and giving them opportunities afterschool at the Y. As we talk to residents about the campaign, people are very eager and excited to contribute – this shows me that others feel there is a need for the Y’s presence in Caroline County as well.”
For information about the Caroline County Family Y or its fundraising efforts, contact F. Graham Lee, chief development officer at the Y at 410-822-0566. For further information about the Y, visit, www.talbotymca.org.