Investing In Our Future

Investing in our future

REVITALIZING THE MARKET STREET YMCA 

Over the past several years, the staff and volunteer leadership of the Wilmington YMCA were considering the needs of the community and the state of the Market Street YMCA. Built in 1965, the facility was not only expensive to maintain, it also wasn’t suited for the social and recreational needs of today’s youth, families and seniors. We knew something had to change. 
Then came the fire.
 
In February 2015, a fire caused $2.8 million damage to the Market Street facility and put our plans on hold as we worked to secure alternative services for members and to create a temporary home for our Y.
 
While the fire may have delayed our plans, the need for our community is still clear:
  • To remain relevant to new generations of families, our programs and facilities need to be attractive and in good repair
  • Lifestyle-related diseases are challenging more people each year, and learning to live healthy is critical for all ages
  • Youth are particularly vulnerable, especially afterschool and during the summer months

  • Our community lacks social and recreational spaces

With that as our focus, we retooled our plans for Market Street, envisioning a dynamic new YMCA that can be the heart of community life in Wilmington.
 
 

A GLANCE AT OUR PROJECT

    

 

 

NEW Welcome Lobby
  • New front entrance & welcome area
  • Spacious and open lobby
  • Expanded child watch & kids adventure zone
NEW Youth Wing
  • Designated wing for youth programming
  • Separate drop-off and pick-up area for preschool, afterschool care and summer camp
  • New outdoor play area
Expanded Health & Wellness
  • Four large group exercise studios
  • Expanded cardio area overlooking the gymnasium
  • Designated strength and free weight area
  • New state-of-the-art equipment
  • Functional training area
Sports & Recreation
  • Racquetball & handball courts
  • New aquatic play area
Community Gathering Spaces
  • Attractive spaces filled with natural light
  • Gathering spaces with comfortable seating
  • Healthier options for snacks and meals

MEETING OUR COMMUNITY’S NEEDS

Today, Wilmington is growing at an unprecedented rate, as are its needs. Our new YMCA facility is designed to meet not only our community’s current needs, but those of generations to come. This new state-of-the-art facility will provide our community with:
 
  • Safe, positive environments for more youth & teens to build character and values through afterschool, teen and youth sports programs
  • Welcoming and fully accessible environments for people of all abilities and ages
  • More opportunities for fun and safety in the water
  • Effective, high-quality programs and services for first-time exercisers and their families
  • Evidenced-based programs and initiatives that address chronic disease caused by lifestyle choices
  • Flexible gathering spaces for people of all backgrounds to connect
  • More opportunities for families to bond together
  • Support for people of all ages in their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle 

GIVE BACK AND INVEST IN OUR FUTURE

Our $9.8 million project relies on the support of the community and people like you - people who understand the importance of meeting these community needs.
 
       
 
To date more than $8.4 million has been raised toward the $9.8 million project. 

Support our capital campaign by contacting Sarah Gibbs at 910-251-9622 x245 or [email protected]. If you are ready to make a committement, fill out the online Pledge Card below and submit to [email protected] or drop off at one of our YMCA Membership Desks and it will be safely returned to our Resource Development Department.

Bruce B. Cameron Foundation Community Matching Gift Challenge

The Bruce B. Cameron Foundation is partnering with the YMCA in an effort to raise additional funds for the renovation project through a community matching gift challenge. Through the time we open our doors, the Bruce B. Cameron Foundation will match donations of $5,000+ towards the campaign. Through the community matching gift challenge your donation will be doubled in impact. 

The 1887 Society

The 1887 Society recognizes capital donors who have committed to investing in the future of the YMCA of Southeastern NC through a gift of $1,000 or greater.

THANK YOU FOR Investing In Our Future

We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to the following families, individuals and organizations who have made a contribution of $100,000 or more towards the Y's Capital Campaign.

Bruce B. Cameron Foundation
Cape Fear Memorial Foundation
CJB Foundation
Dan Cameron Family Foundation
Dr. Ronald Gaitros
Live Oak Bank
James E Moore
Dr. Oaz Nir
William Oakley
Laurence Sprunt Family
Frances Woodbury
Cecil Worsley III
 

Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet and Committee members

Thank you to the following individuals who are committeed to making this dream of a new state-of-the-art YMCA for the Wilmington community a reality. If you would like to get involved with the capital campaign, feel free to reach out to one of our volunteers below:

Cecil Worsley, Chair
Russell Herring, Chair
Jim Busby
Michael Byrd
John Cockrum
Vinton Fountain
Dr. Ron Gaitros
Jim Hundley
Corby Johnson
Carol Kays
Alex King
Hugh MacRae
Andy McVey 
Jim Moore
Bill Oakley
Fraser Perry
George Poulos
Bill Rose
Walker Rudd
Brad Southerland
David Sprunt
Raiford Trask
Richard Waldkirch
Bob Warwick
Lee Weddle
Questions? Contact Us! 
Sarah Gibbs, Financial Development & Marketing Director
(910) 251-9622 x245
[email protected]