Press release
Community Support is Needed to Complete Project
Batavia, NY (April 27, 2021) – Today the GLOW YMCA announced the public phase of the Transforming Lives capital campaign that will allow the Y to build a Healthy Living Campus in Downtown Batavia, in partnership with Rochester Regional Health’s United Memorial Medical Center. The Y has already raised more than $11 million toward that goal and is now asking the community to support the $1,000,000 public campaign goal.
“It’s very exciting to think about the new Healthy Living Campus and how it will impact the strength and future of our community. We just can’t wait to see our friends and neighbors enjoying a brand new 21st century facility, with all its natural light, spaces for socialization and just a ton of positive energy. I can’t think of a better way to invest in the future of Batavia,” said Paul Battaglia, YMCA Campaign Chair.
Peter Zeliff has provided a community challenge to support the new YMCA. Until September 2021, this amazing supporter will match dollar for dollar all new gifts up to $500,000. “I believe strongly in this project and am happy to double the impact of new gifts, knowing the tremendous benefit we will all receive from this new YMCA and Healthy Living Campus. I encourage the community to join me in supporting this exciting project,” Peter Zeliff, YMCA Campaign Cabinet Member.
“We are very much looking forward to this next phase of our fundraising efforts”, said John Riter, YMCA Project Chair, “To maximize the impact that this project will have on Genesee County, we definitely need the community’s support. We are looking to everyone for help, individuals, families and local businesses, anyone who wants to play a part in making this a huge success.”
The groundbreaking is expected to begin this fall. The Y is projecting that the building should be complete in 2023. Timing of the project will ultimately be determined by completion of the capital campaign.
Plans for the new Y facility include a new state-of-the-art wellness center, indoor pool, group exercise studios, and gymnasium with indoor walking/running track, teaching kitchen, indoor playground, youth spaces, living room and meeting rooms. Our partnership with United Memorial Medical Center will provide primary care, behavioral health/crisis interventions services, telemedicine integration, cancer prevention outreach services, chronic illness support services and education services all in the same facility.
“The Healthy Living Campus will serve as a one-stop-shop for comprehensive health and wellness support under one roof,” said Dan Ireland, President of United Memorial Medical Center. “It is especially important, now more than ever, to expand access to care in the community and this partnership with the Y is an opportunity to provide convenience for children, families, and people of all ages.”
Co-located services will open up new program opportunities in chronic disease management, rehabilitation, mental health, and community education.
“This new Y is for the children, adults, families and seniors in our community. It will be a place for people from all walks of life to come together to gather and improve their quality of life,” said Rob Walker, YMCA CEO. “Today we invite everyone to join us in this exciting campaign that will not only transform the lives of the people we serve, but the entire community.”