VALPARAISO | In 1951, the Porter County YMCA facility was built on Byron Smith’s property, and enlarged with a subsequent land gift from Thelma and Max Dickey, on the corner of Washington and Chicago Streets in Valparaiso.
For 58 years, that Y strengthened the community by giving all people opportunities to learn, thrive and grow. Eventually, the needs of the community exceeded the capacity of the building. This led to the construction of an 82,000-square-foot facility with natural light, high ceilings, and green technology to save energy and promote a healthier environment.
This new facility opened on May 4, 2009, at Cumberland Crossing on the north side of Valparaiso to better serve the needs of the community.
Two years ago, the Valparaiso Family YMCA embarked on a “Promises Kept” journey to help reduce debt on the new Y building. Urschel Laboratories supported the Y on this journey with a matching pledge over two years. Over this time, community members, donors, volunteers and staff worked to support the Promises Kept Campaign. Bob Wanek, Valparaiso Family YMCA CEO, announced the culmination of the Promises Kept campaign with $2,337,141 in pledges to reduce debt on the new Y building.
“This last phase of the campaign provided each of us the opportunity to be a part of this journey and say, I helped build the YMCA ," said Bill Anderson and Rob Thorgren, Promises Kept Campaign co-chairs. "We are very proud to be associated with the hundreds of volunteers, donors, and Y employees who made a dream become a reality.”
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