Donation

Former Senator Donald E. Williams Jr., center, donated $5,000 to the Regional Community YMCA project following a fund-raiser event. Courtesy photo.

 

By Ron P. Coderre

Surrounded by friends and members of the Regional Community YMCA Campaign Cabinet, a smiling Donald E. Williams Jr., presented a check for more than $5,000 to the Y on behalf of the proceeds from a recent retirement party in his honor.

Williams, the former State 29th District Senator and Senate President Pro Tem, was honored in March by friends, colleagues and dignitaries following his 22 years of service in the Connecticut Senate, 10 as President Pro Tem.  Since the initiation of the Regional Community YMCA fund-raising campaign, Williams has served on the local organization’s Board of Advisors.

“I’ve been very close to this project since its inception.  I believe the YMCA will be an asset to our entire northeastern Connecticut region.  It will provide a much needed exercise and health alternative to families, children and seniors in our area,” said Williams.

The Regional Community YMCA, which is currently under construction off Kennedy Drive in Putnam on land donated to the community by Wheelabrator-Putnam, is a $14.6 million facility.  When completed, it will feature an eight-lane competitive pool, warm water pool, gymnasium, fitness area, teen center and child-watch area.

Williams was instrumental in securing a State grant of $3.745 million for the project, which is currently part of the more than $13.775 million the campaign has raised.  The impetus for the Y came initially from a $3 million gift from the Newell D. Hale Foundation and its trustees, Betty and Laurence Hale.  The YMCA of Greater Hartford Board of Trustees is committed to $4 million and community fund-raising has realized $2.775 million.

“When the committee was planning my retirement party they asked where I’d like to designate any surplus funds from the event.  As the Y project was dear to me I asked that it be put toward the fund-raising program.  I’m pleased we’re able to make this presentation.  And I thank the committee for all its hard work to make this gift a reality,” said Williams.

“The Y is a regional project and Don represented the region so well during his more than 20 years in office, we were pleased when he made the suggestion.  This Y will be a facility that all the people of the region will enjoy.  It’s a real tribute to what he’s stood for as a legislator,” said Cindy Dunne, chairperson of the Williams retirement committee.

The construction of the Regional Community YMCA is expected to be complete in 2016.  Fund-raising efforts are expected to reach the goal by the end of this summer.  Volunteers continue to canvas potential donors in an attempt to achieve the $2.85 million community goal.  Anyone interested in information regarding the project or wishing to make a pledge or donation, should call 860 928-6772.

“It’s great to see the project progressing on or ahead of schedule.  The bridge, which will serve as access to the YMCA and the regional industrial/technical park also appears to be moving along.  This gift from Senator Williams puts us closer to our goal and is an indication that people are thinking about the Y,” said Paul Kelly of Woodstock, campaign vice-chairman.