Posted at: 09/30/2009 4:33 PM | KSAX.com
By: Megan Matthews
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Alexandria YMCA Finalizes Major Contribution

ALEXANDRIA, Minn.- The YMCA has raised $8,165,000 dollars for the new facility, and that total is $600,000 higher than it was just a few days ago thanks to the late Maynard "Bud" Peterson and his family.

Peterson made a pledge of $1.5 million to the YMCA in 2008, but he only had the chance to donate $900,000 before he passed away unexpectedly this past February.

"Obviously that being left up to the estate was kind of left in limbo at least for the "Y" to see where the estate was at in regards to honoring his father's pledge to commitment," said Jeff Bartholomew, Executive Director of Alexandria YMCA.

Now thanks to the Peterson Family that money is finalized, matching a $600,000 donation from the community.

"We're very pleased and so is the family.  All is well and good in the YMCA world," said Bartholomew.

Even though construction is underway and right on schedule, the "Y" still needs more money.  They are about $474,000 short of their nearly $9 million goal, because they went ahead with construction before they raised all the money.

"We knew there were a lot of factors pointing to the fact that 'let's move forward in good faith and hope the community will continue to step up to the plate as they have done historically through our campaign," explained Bartholomew.

As the YMCA nears their goal, Bartholomew says the project has been successful.

"It's truly been a labor of love.  Folks are very passionate about the need for a YMCA," said Bartholomew.

He thinks the community will be excited when the new building opens in June 2010.

Written for the web by Megan Matthews

megan@ksax.com