The Howard County YMCA received its first major financial boost toward the renovation and expansion of its dilapidated facilities.
The Dancel Family Foundation of Columbia donated $750,000 to the YMCA?s $3 million private campaign for the $11.2 million project beginning this summer.
“It?s a great kick-off,” said Troy Weaver, director of the YMCA branch. “It gives us a chance to service the folks in Ellicott City and Elkridge even better.”
The foundation, composed of husband-and-wife team Connie and Bernie Dancel, is a nonprofit that helps local children and the community.
The Howard County YMCA branch on Montgomery Road in Ellicott City is more than 40 years old and has poor circulation for its pool, crowded locker rooms and “a retro, 70s look,” Weaver said.
New offerings at the Howard County YMCA will include:
» A 30-foot climbing wall;
» A heated, four-lane pool;
» Boys, girls and family locker rooms;
» Two new gymnasiums;
» A 2,000-square-foot senior and teen center;
» Expanded day-care center, which will include infant care.
“My daughters are pumped up about it. It?s going to make a good place great,” said Brian Dewitt, a member of the gym from Ellicott City.
The Dancel donation also forged a partnership between the Columbia Ravens basketball team and the YMCA.
Bernie Dancel, a founder of the Columbia Ravens, helped foster the partnership.
When the renovations are complete, the team will practice at the YMCA and pay for operating the gyms for all youth basketball teams, tournaments and camps.
“The partnership is so powerful. They have so much to offer each other,” Bernie Dancel said.
The branch has raised $1 million in private donations, $2 million from the sale of 8 acres to the county and $1.5 million from the state. The branch plans to raise $2 million in private donations and borrow the remaining $4.7 million.
