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YMCA must raise $175,000 or shut doors

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6:17 PM Thursday, November 19, 2009

By Elaine Morris Roberts

Staff Writer

NEW CARLISLE — Tecumseh YMCA officials are faced with a dilemma: Raise $175,000 by the end of the year or shut down for good.

The YMCA is located at 524 N. Dayton-Lakeview Road, has served residents in western Clark County for 30 years.

The YMCA’s financial troubles started five years ago when the officials built a $1.2 million aquatic center. Even though the expansion boosted memberships nearly five times to about 3,700, the revenue generated was not enough to cover the new debt, Transitional Operations Manager Kelli Whitt said in a release Thursday, Nov. 19.

The Turner Foundation stepped in, offering to make payments on the principle, leaving the YMCA responsible for the annual $100,000 interest payment.

After renegotiating with PNC Bank, the YMCA remains responsible for $175,000 of the original debt, which must be paid by Dec. 23.

Whitt said the YMCA board has reduced staff and hours of operation to cut costs; some employees have volunteered their time to teach classes.

“We have a dedicated staff, faithful members and a strong desire to succeed,” she said. “What we don’t have are deep pockets.”

The YMCA has received a financial gift to cover existing operational expenses through the end of 2009.

Losing the YMCA, Whitt said, would cost the community pre-school and kindergarten enrichment programs, swim team training site, gymnastics training facility, health and wellness programs and senior citizen programs.

“So many essential programs and services will be lost if the Tecumseh YMCA were to close,” she said.

In its latest effort to raise funds, the YMCA has established the Save the Tecumseh YMCA Fund.

“We’re committed to doing everything we can to stay open,” Whitt said, “so we established the (fund) with the hope that the local community and beyond will open up their hearts and wallets during this time of need.”

To make a pledge to the Save the Tecumseh YMCA Fund, log on to tecumsehymca.org or call 845-3513.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.

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Heres a Idea..Fire all the staff that was in charge of the budget. Give me a break they did not see this coming, Who controls the books? Who does the audits? Typical New Carlisle will never have anything but a Grocery store and Wot a Dog. Way to go City Council!

massey
9:23 PM, 11/22/2009

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I can think of four things wrong with the name Young Men's Christian Association. I'm sorry their business model is failing. No other business comes in and builds with donated money only to charge twice what a private club charges. It would be like helping to build a McDonald's and then being charged $10 for a hamburger.

Edward
12:31 PM, 11/21/2009

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When the Y added the swimming pool, they had all kinds of donations, maybe they should not charge such an outrageous membership fee, and like the other person said the hours are too limited..goodluck, but everyone is broke now...

Angie
9:42 PM, 11/20/2009

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Btw, if illegals/legals/anyone is using the place for FREE, then that is w.r.o.n.g. hands down. Let them volunteer if they don't have money, but free membership? And now ask for a bailout? Which is IS a bailout when you're begging for money over and beyond normal op expenses and especially to pay off a mistake. Call is what it is regardless if it's how they are normally funded. Right now, they need bailed out, plain and simple. People are not idiots and respond more to honesty.

Insane dues
8:25 PM, 11/20/2009

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I desperately wanted to join the T Y last winter and was told by a guy who had worked there the dues were around SIXTY dollars a MONTH! Their web site will not even disclose the dues charged, only allow you to fill out an app. After which they have all your personal info and you still cannot make a decision to join, not know the costs.
Boy, now I know why the ripoff fees, but think they would love to get two members at $30.00/mo instead of gouging one for $60.00, which = a bad CURRENT board.

Insane dues
8:18 PM, 11/20/2009

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