Dec 09, 2024

New Y gets challenge grant

Posted Dec 09, 2024 3:33 PM
The groundbreaking for the new YMCA branch in Hutchinson took place on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. The new location is at the corner of 20th and Lorraine. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)
The groundbreaking for the new YMCA branch in Hutchinson took place on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. The new location is at the corner of 20th and Lorraine. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)

Greater Wichita YMCA

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Greater Wichita YMCA today announced an exciting new phase of the Hutchinson YMCA capital campaign with the receipt of a generous $2 million challenge grant from the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation. The gift will support the construction of the new 75,000-square-foot Hutchinson Y branch, which will be located on land near the intersection of 20th Street and Lorraine that was donated to the Y through a partnership with Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.

The Mabee Foundation challenge grant is contingent upon the Y raising an additional $7 million for the estimated $30 million capital campaign by October 2025.

“We are incredibly grateful to receive this grant from the Mabee Foundation, which only reinforces how important this project is to our community,” said Mike Folks, Hutchinson YMCA Board Chair. “We look forward to continuing the momentum by fulfilling the challenge grant requirements.”

Since its formation in 1948, the Mabee Foundation has made grants totaling over $1.6 billion for capital expenditures and the purchase of major medical equipment. The Mabee Foundation exclusively funds projects located in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

“John and Lottie Mabee believed in creating opportunities for individuals to improve their lives and mobilizing entire communities around worthy causes. The Greater Wichita YMCA embodies those ideals,” said Michael Goeke, Mabee Foundation Executive Director. “We are honored to assist the Y in making a profound impact in the lives of every Hutchinson-area resident for years to come through the construction of a new Hutchinson YMCA facility.”

The planned Hutchinson YMCA will include a first-class destination aquatics center, indoor track, gymnasium, expanded gymnastics center, fitness center with studios, community room, additional places for families to connect and programs that provide safe spaces for youth. This initial phase allows for future development to continue to transform the 9.9 acres of land into a health and wellness destination.

"At the YMCA, we’re dedicated to strengthening families, fostering youth development and promoting healthy living for all, regardless of background," said Ronn McMahon, Greater Wichita YMCA President and CEO. "Through the support of area residents, businesses and organizations like the Mabee Foundation, we can provide even more opportunities for people in the Hutchinson community to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives."