YMCA announces million dollar match challenge

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee Valley YMCA has announced a million-dollar match challenge, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. The challenge, which runs until May 15, will see every dollar donated matched up to $500,000, potentially raising a total of $1 million to support the construction of a new YMCA facility in the community.

“This $1 for $1 matching challenge means that donors can see their donation double – $1 turns into $2,” said Dorry Foster, CEO of the Wenatchee Valley YMCA.

The Building What Matters campaign has already raised more than $13,717,000 towards the construction of the new YMCA, which will be located at the corner of Fifth and Wenatchee Avenue, the former site of the Chelan County PUD.

The current YMCA facility, situated at the corner of Orondo and North Mission Street, is 114 years old and no longer meets the growing needs of the community. The building's numerous stairs and lack of an elevator make accessibility a challenge for members with mobility issues, while the 25-yard basement pool is outdated and inadequate for the demand for swim lessons and water safety programs.

The new YMCA aims to address these issues by expanding water safety and swim lesson programs, providing an indoor track, new basketball and pickleball courts, and better serving disabled populations through its inclusive design. The organization remains committed to its core values of fostering youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, ensuring that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay.

“We want to get started on construction sooner rather than later, and this generous $1 for $1 matching challenge will help us close our shortfall in needed funding,” added Foster. “A new YMCA is a game-changer in our community, bettering the lives of thousands. This opportunity to double your donation moves us one step closer to our funding goal,” said Foster.