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Regional YMCA Update
At the recent Regional Community YMCA update event held recently, left to right: Ronald P. Coderre, campaign counsel; Jim and Pat Calhoun, honorary chairpersons; and Betty Hale, Regional Community YMCA trustee. Courtesy photo.
Special to the Putnam Town Crier
PUTNAM — The president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, at a recent Regional Community YMCA donor update event, said that enough money has been received to break ground in April.
James O’S Morton, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, presented a detailed update on the finances of the campaign as well as a projected schedule for the construction and completion of the Y.
According to Morton, the projected cost of construction for the 50,000-square foot facility is $13 million. The project has realized $11.345 million as it moves toward its goal. The initial support has been received from the Newell D. Hale Foundation, which has pledged $3 million. An additional $3.745 million has been granted from the State of Connecticut through the efforts of State Senator Donald E. Williams Jr. A community capital campaign has added another $2.1 million; bringing the total to $8.845 million. Support from the Y of $2.5 million brings the total to $11.345 million.
“Now that we’ve achieved a total of more than $9 million, we’re able to engage an architect/construction manager to begin the specifics of the design of the building. We’re also looking for local individuals to serve on a local board of managers,” said Morton.
“The local individuals will assist us in finalizing the specific types of programs that a full-service Y can provide for the people of the region,” Morton said.
Morton added the ground breaking is projected for April 2013, with construction completion planned for sometime in early fall 2014.
Putnam Mayor Richard “Pete” Place offered congratulations to the Y in his remarks. He promised to do all he possibly could to see that the bridge project scheduled for access to a proposed industrial technical park is moved forward to coincide with the construction of the Y.
Mrs. Betty Hale said, “The Hale family is excited to see the support the Y has received from so many individuals, businesses and organizations. It was my husband Newell’s dream to build a swimming pool for the people of northeastern Connecticut. We are anxiously looking forward to the day when that dream becomes a reality.”
According to Ronald P. Coderre of RPC Associates, LLC of Putnam, the community fund-raising effort is at $2.153 million toward the campaign goal of $2.5 million. The campaign recently received a boost when it received a major gift from Price Chopper through the Golub Family Foundation of Schenectady, N.Y.
Coderre also noted that the announcement by coach Jim Calhoun and his wife, Pat to add another $5,000 to their major gift has had a positive impact on the campaign.
“With the announcement by the Calhouns, we’ve received an influx of a number of gifts from a variety of sources. The campaign leadership team, led by Dr. Woody Danenhower and his wife Sylvia, continues to contact potential donors in an effort to reach its goal,” Coderre said.
Anyone interested in learning more about the project or making a pledge, should contact Coderre at 860 928-6772 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..