December 8, 2016 – During a holiday open house at Gothenburg State Bank, bank chairman Matt Williams, announced that his family along with Gothenburg State Bank and the Gill family along with 96 Ranches were donating $500,000 to the Gothenburg Health Foundation to build the Gothenburg YMCA. Jan Gill, Matt’s sister, helped Matt present a large, commemorative check to Gothenburg Health Foundation president, Karl Randecker.
“This level of giving is a testament of the progressive and philanthropic commitment of the Williams and Gill families, along with their organizations,” states Becky Jobman, Gothenburg Health Foundation Director. “We are thrilled and humbled by this generous contribution, one that invests so purposely back into our special community.”
“We are excited to have the opportunity to support the YMCA project,” remarked Matt Williams. “Our family arrived in Gothenburg in the 1890’s. Jan and I are fourth generation business owners of 96 Ranches and the Gothenburg State Bank. Our bank has supported the growth of our community for nearly 115 years. Gothenburg is a special community that has always had a vision for the future. The YMCA project is part of this vision. Larry Gill will not be here to see the vision he helped shape be completed, but with the help of the joint gift from our family our community will have the opportunity to see the vision become reality. We remain committed to helping Gothenburg grow now and into the future. Our families also hope this encourages the contributions of others throughout the community. It will take large and small donations for the project to become fulling funded.”
Groundbreaking for the $4.95 million project is scheduled for March 2017. The YMCA will be connected to Gothenburg Health as part of a joint project featuring a hospital renovation. The YMCA will begin operating out of the existing hospital wellness center. Programming is planned to kick off in spring of 2017.
The YMCA of Gothenburg will have year-round recreation opportunities for all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. When complete, the facility will include a high school regulation size gymnasium with two cross-courts; a four-lane swimming pool with space for kids play and physical therapy; an indoor walking track; a wellness center with weights and cardio machines; a spacious group exercise room; men’s, women’s and family locker rooms; a fun and educational child watch room, and a comfortable social lobby with free Wi-Fi access. In addition to all these planned components, there will be an abundance of educational space which include the potential for mentorship programs, early childhood development, after-school programs and career development opportunities for students; depending on community wants and needs.
The YMCA is a non-profit organization focusing on strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
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