Southington YMCA touts achievements, donations at annual meeting

SOUTHINGTON YMCA officials announced new donations and the achievements of the past year at the groups annual meeting Wednesday night at the Aqua Turf Club.

One of the YMCAs capital projects has been the renovation of the pool. The work will include new observation decks, new lighting and ceiling and better handicap access through the installation of an elevator.

YMCA Executive Director John Myers said the Main Street Community Foundation donated $300,000 from the Bradley Barnes and Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust toward the elevator project. When he learned the elevator was going to cost more than anticipated, Myers asked if the foundation could help further.

On Wednesday, president and CEO of the Main Street Community Foundation Susan Sadecki, said the YMCA would receive an additional $130,000 to support the spectacular project.

We are so pleased to present the Southington YMCA with a grant for 130k to further fund the completion of the elevator, Sadecki said. I believe that Bradley Barnes, if he were still here today, would be very impressed with this project.

Myers said that late last year, a local family came to the YMCA wanting to give an anonymous $250,000 donation and an additional $200,000 matching grant. About 75 percent of the matching grant funds have been raised.

Myers said the story and the familys support of the YMCAs mission gives him goose bumps.

What a feeling, he said.

Melissa Sheffy, the outgoing president of the YMCAs board of directors, said building improvements such as a new parking lot and renovated locker rooms had been accomplished with capital funds.

When I look around the parking lot and its packed, I wonder where everyone parked before, she said.

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Southington YMCA touts achievements, donations at annual meeting