October 29, 2003

Together We Can Make It Happen - Building On 25 Years Of Community Wellness

The Scott County Family YMCA, City of Bettendorf and Genesis Health System are Serving the Health and Wellness Needs of Our Community

Bettendorf, IA - "Together We Can Make it Happen" is the theme for a community campaign that is bringing the Scott County Family YMCA into area neighborhoods. It is a theme that is rich in history.

In 1978, the Scott County Family Y made a commitment to provide quality programs that would help build strong kids and strong families in Bettendorf and Northeastern Scott County with the opening of the Northeast Program Office. Now 25 years later, the Y, with the help of its community partners, is taking that commitment to a new exciting level.

Today, the Scott County Family Y, Genesis Health System and the City of Bettendorf laid a portion of the concrete foundation for the new Bettendorf Family YMCA. "This community-wide expansion project would not have come to fruition without the commitment and collaboration of the Davenport Community School District, Genesis Health System and the City of Bettendorf," said Frank Klipsch, President/CEO of the Scott County Family Y.

The construction of the Bettendorf Family YMCA is part of a community-wide commitment that will allow more Quad Citians access to the many health, wellness and character development programs offered by the Scott County Family Y. The Y now offers residents more options with its new branch facilities at North and West High Schools in Davenport, and its upgraded facilities in downtown Davenport and Camp Abe Lincoln.

"Together We Can Make it Happen' is not just a theme, it's reality," added Klipsch. "The Scott County Family Y is dedicated to our mission of teaching character development values to more kids, more families and more communities. These expansion projects are focused on mission and meeting the needs of all people throughout the community. It's not really about facilities; it's about what the Y and our partners can do with those facilities to add to the quality of life in our community."

John Golinvaux, Chairman of the Board for the Scott County Family Y, stated: "The goal is in sight for this $22.9 million community-wide expansion plan. With our collaborative partners and the support of many foundations, corporations and individuals, we are now excited to announce that we have just over $1 million left to raise. We are counting on the community to help us reach our goal and to meet the requirement to receive nearly $4 million in challenge grants. We must raise the remaining $1 million to ensure success."

John Riches, Manager of Community Relations at Alcoa announced a $50,000 challenge grant from the local Alcoa plant. This challenge will be received upon completion of the remaining $1 million.

The $8.3 million project is a full facility YMCA that features a unique indoor year-round community aquatic center with a zero depth entry, water slide and other splash amenities and a 12,000-square-foot Genesis Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. "The Genesis organization is excited and proud to be a partner in this community-based initiative, while at the same time responding to the increasing needs of the cardiac and pulmonary patients cared for by the Genesis organization," said Leo Bressanelli, President and CEO of Genesis Health System. "This rather unique initiative is all about people coming together, organizations coming together, and communities coming together to enhance the well being of generations of Quad Citians."

Mayor Ann Hutchinson, City of Bettendorf, was a board member of the "Northeast YMCA" branch from 1982-1987 and was vital to its success in the community. She spoke on behalf of the City of Bettendorf and stated: "This is the culmination of years of effort to bring a Y facility to Bettendorf. It's a great addition to a great community."

As part of the 25th anniversary celebration, the Scott County Family Y is offering a 25 percent reduction in the enrollment fee for new members until November 2nd.   This membership will be honored at any Scott County Family Y facility, as well as the Two Rivers YMCA in Moline.

Construction of the Bettendorf Family YMCA is expected to be complete in the fall of 2004. For more information this and the other new Y branches or for information about becoming a member, contact the Scott County Family Y, at 563-322-7171.