Donors step up with $150,000 in pledges
Two more individuals have stepped forward within recent days to make major financial pledges to the Northumberland Family YMCA’s Capital Campaign. The campaign has the goal of converting the present Northumberland High School Gym into a $3.6 million, 22-thousand square foot, full service facility.
Mason Brent of Heathsville has pledged $100,000 to the campaign, and will have naming rights to the building’s lobby. Pim Montgomery, also of Heathsville, has pledged $50,000 and will name the Y’s Teen Center.
“It’s very gratifying to see people step forward like this to support this cause,” said Betty Hall, Chairman of the Capital Campaign Committee. “It’s so exciting and energizes all of us who are involved in this campaign.”
Montgomery is a long-time Northumberland resident who has been active in the Northern Neck YMCA since 1995. She said her concern about children attracted her to the YMCA and its programs.
“Children need a place to go where they get moral support and guidance from adults, and learn how to become adults themselves,” Montgomery said. “We as adults have a responsibility to provide that place.”
Brent, who lives on a Heathsville farm that has been in his family for 156 years, was also attracted to the project because of what it will mean for the county’s children and young people.
“I know the YMCA will be able to offer many new programs for adults, but I think it will have its biggest impact on the younger generation,” Brent said. “It’s extremely important to have a facility like this for our youth.”
Montgomery said she has long been troubled by the growing phenomenon of “latch key” kids, children who are often at home by themselves. She says the YMCA is the perfect alternative to that.
“Children can go to the YMCA each day for structured activities,” she said. “They get exercise, and they also learn things, even if they don’t realize they’re learning.”
Both Brent and Montgomery are urging their fellow county residents to support the cause as well. Brent notes that the new YMCA , with its state of the art wellness center, gymnasium, numerous classes, and eventual swimming pool, will provide a significant recreational benefit for the county’s full time, as well as weekend residents.
“For weekend residents, what better way to get involved in the community than to support this vital YMCA project?” Brent asked.
Montgomery is also an enthusiastic advocate for the campaign.
“People say I have a fire in my belly about this,” she laughed. But turning serious, she asked, “If not us, who? And if not now, when?”
“Having Pim and Mason as financial supporters is wonderful, but their strong advocacy of our cause is just as important,” Hall said. “They are not only helping making this dream a reality, but are helping spread the word about our efforts. We are so grateful.”
Anyone considering making a gift can contact Hall at her office in Burgess,
804-453-3701, or can get in touch with Cristian Shirilla at the YMCA office
in Heathsville 804-580-4116 or 580-8901.
More information about the new facility, including architectural drawings,
can be found online by going to www.NorthernNeckToday.com and clicking
on the Northumberland YMCA icon at the top of the page.
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