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Published on 02/22/1999 All articles from this issue

El Camino YMCA reports positive response to building expansion campaign

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Special to the Town Crier

Into a second month of public fund-raising, El Camino YMCA officials report their campaign for an expanded facility is coming along nicely.

Led by its volunteer Board of Directors, the local YMCA has embarked upon the community phase of its capital fund drive to raise a needed $3.5 million for Phase II construction of its facility, located at 2400 Grant Road in Mountain View. The new construction will add 32,000 square feet of program space, including new teen and youth centers.

To date, $1.5 million has been raised through capital contributions. Leading contributions for the project include $750,000 from The William Hewlett Foundation and a $200,000 donation from The Krause Family Foundation. Officials said an additional $2 million is needed within the next six months if construction is to begin on schedule. The bulk of donated funds will be raised by a coalition of community volunteers who will conduct a grass roots fundraising drive over the next few months.

"The YMCA is already touching thousands of lives in the communities of Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills through our 10 school-based child care programs and our fitness and aquatics facilities at the El Camino YMCA," said YMCA President and CEO Barry Taylor. "The public's support of the completion of this YMCA will ensure our ability to reach out to the ever-increasing numbers of at-risk youth and families in our community for years to come."

In December 1998, the land use agreement between the El Camino Hospital District and the YMCA was extended until 2049, clearing the way for Phase II of the facility to move forward.

"El Camino Hospital and the YMCA have shared land, facilities and an interest in the community's health and well-being over the past 15 years," said Richard M. Warren, chief executive officer and administrator of El Camino Hospital. "As the YMCA expands, we look forward to even more opportunities for our two organizations to work together towards this common goal."

Phase I, construction of the existing facility, was completed in 1989. At the heart of the plans for the new facility is the concept of a family center with areas, programs, and activities designed specially for each member's needs, whether they be seniors, working professionals, teenagers, or infants. Building plans include a gymnasium, teen center, youth center, expanded weight and aerobics space, and an improved cardiovascular facility. Construction is scheduled to begin late this summer.

For more information on the El Camino YMCA expansion project and capital campaign, call 842-3554.