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Legislator Jim Maisano and Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni are set to co-host a special event at the New Rochelle YMCA as they continue fundraising efforts to keep the organization’s pool open after it had to be closed last year due to damage and corrosion in the ceiling and roofing area.
In November, contractors discovered the damage to the ceiling while removing the pool’s drop roof, which is no longer permitted because it masks moisture buildup, which led to the corrosion of steel beams, meaning an entire replacement is necessary.
If the $1.3 million “Be a Lifesaver” fundraising campaign fails, the YMCA may be forced to close its doors, as the pool is a key source of revenue for the organization.
“Dozens of children who took weekly swimming lessons here suddenly found themselves without a pool,” Senior Program Director Sue Odierna said. “Parents who came daily with their children for family swim time lost their pool. Dedicated, early morning lap swimmers were left without a pool.”
In an effort to kick-start the fundraising initiative, Maisano and Idoni will be joined by the New Rochelle City Council, Mayor Noam Bramson and nearly a dozen other Westchester County elected officials for a non-partisan evening at the YMCA they’re trying to save.
Due to its status as an independent YMCA, the New Rochelle location does not receive support or money from the larger YMCA organization. Due to this distinction, volunteers and employees been forced to reach out to the community it has served for more than three decades.
“This fundraiser is the most critical in the Y’s 30-year history,” New Rochelle YMCA CEO Julie Gallanty said. “Unfortunately, the reality is, if we cannot raise these funds, our pool will have to close for good, and, since the pool is a major source of funding for us, we would have to close our doors to the community entirely.”
The latest “Be a Lifesaver” fundraising event will be from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 at the YMCA. There will be a $75 per person cost, and light refreshments from local eateries will be served. There are also event sponsorships available ranging between $250 and $750. Those interested in attending the event, can register online or mail payments to the YMCA at 50 Weyman Ave.
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