With a plan to replace the floor of its gymnasium and renovate its locker rooms, the Schuylkill YMCA announced Wednesday it's hoping to raise $75,000 by May.
"It's the first time we've taken on such a large amount. Our annual campaign is typically $15,000. This year, we have the opportunity to match what we raise with a state DCED (Department of Community and Economic Development) grant. All funds will be used for capital improvements here at the Y," Rose Seamon, the Schuylkill YMCA community engagement director, said.
In 2013, the Schuylkill YMCA's annual campaign goal was $15,000, but the campaign only pulled in "about $10,000," Wayne R. Stump, YMCA executive director, said Wednesday.
This year, the Schuylkill YMCA is celebrating its fifth year at its Pottsville headquarters, the former Pennsylvania National Guard Armory at 520 N. Centre St., and it's looking to improve the facility.
"The campaign is called 'Building Tomorrow,' " Seamon said.
What inspired the YMCA to aim high was an opportunity from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Matthew B. "Bo" Bates, chairman of the 2014 campaign, said.
"We have an opportunity to get a matching grant for the renovations, in which we'll put up an amount and the state will match it. So if we reach our goal of $75,000, DCED will match it to give the Y a grand total of $150,000," Bates said.
"It's part of the DCED Keystone Communities Program," Stump said.
Bates, who resides in Boyertown, Berks County, is the chief executive for Evans Delivery Co., Schuylkill Haven. He and Magisterial District Justice David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, are co-vice presidents of the Schuylkill YMCA Board of Directors.
The president of the board is Tom E. Badger, an insurance agent based in Auburn.
On Wednesday, Badger, Bates, Seamon and Stump discussed the renovation plans.
"The heart of the Schuylkill Y is the gymnasium. From sports to birthday parties to events, the Y gym is the hardest working part of the building," Seamon said.
"Our gymnasium is in dire need of being replaced," Badger said.
"It needs a new floor," Bates said.
"If you go to that basketball court and you're a passionate basketball player and you're bouncing down the court, you might find that all of a sudden there's a dead spot," Badger said.
"Hardwood basketball courts may look shiny and perfect, but they're usually not. Today's hardwood surfaces are pieced together and locked into place. As a result, most courts will have any uneven areas and spots that will be 'dead' when the ball bounces," according to the definition on ehow.com.
The former armory has showers in its men's locker room, but no showers for the ladies, Bates said. The plan is to renovate both locker rooms and add showers in the ladies' locker room.
So far, $27,350 have been pledged toward the "Building Tomorrow" campaign and $12,350 has been received, Stump said.
"The campaign is going to end in May. We're hoping to do the renovations in August and September," Stump said.
Established in 1997, the Schuylkill YMCA had its grand opening at the former Army National Guard armory in Pottsville in May 2009.
A full-service YMCA, it is open daily, has a full-time staff and activities for all ages. This includes a wellness center in the lower level with treadmills and elliptical machines, free weights and weight machines.
It currently has 1,046 memberships and 1,572 members, Seamon said Wednesday.
For more information, visit schuylkillymca.com or call the YMCA at 570-622-7850.