BELLE CHASSE YMCA GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING SET FOR AUGUST 31ST
By Amanda Spillman | 08/26/2011
BELLE CHASSE YMCA GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING SET FOR AUGUST 31ST
ConocoPhillips’ Generous $5 Million Donation Makes YMCA Facility Possible
Belle Chasse, August 31, 2011– The Belle Chasse YMCA will host its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 31st at 10am.
In an effort to aid Plaquemines Parish and the surrounding community in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, ConocoPhillips made the $5 million gift to construct a community center that would serve the needs of children, adults, families and seniors. ConocoPhillips Public Affairs Coordinator and YMCA Board Member Dennis Nuss said, “ConocoPhillips made a commitment to help rebuild Plaquemines Parish following Hurricane Katrina. By partnering with the YMCA, we are confident that the Belle Chasse branch will provide needed services for youths and adults in a creative and nurturing environment. It is our hope that this facility will serve the local community for many years to come.”
Construction for the 21,000 square foot facility began in May 2010 and the total budget is $5.7 million. The facility includes a youth and teen center, aerobics and group exercise studio, group cycling studio, full service cardio and strength training center, an outdoor water park and aquatic center, a full service child care room, family locker rooms and community meeting rooms. Individual memberships and family memberships are available and will include unlimited access to the YMCA facility seven days per week. Additionally, membership will provide discounts and priority registration for all YMCA programs. The YMCA does not turn anyone away due to an inability to pay; membership and program scholarships are available and are based on a sliding scale.
“YMCA has been great partners with us in Plaquemines Parish and their new building in Belle Chasse truly enhances our community in the north end of the Parish. It creates new opportunities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. And not only does the Belle Chasse Y offer fun activities, but the YMCA as an organization has great principals, which help develop strong individuals. This is the beginning of a great thing,” said Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser.
YMCA President/CEO David Ozmore, said he is impressed with the strong community leadership from local Belle Chasse volunteers, and the generosity of ConocoPhillips. “This is truly a transformational charitable gift in the life of a community. The investment of time, talent and treasure from local Board members and ConocoPhillips staff makes this opportunity very rare. The YMCA will do its part and strive to improve the quality of life for all citizens through programs and services,” said Ozmore.
Through the YMCA’s Strategic Plan, Vision 2015, the non-profit organization hopes to serve over 20,000 youth and 40,000 members annually. The YMCA is one of the largest membership non-profit organizations in the U.S. with over 21 million members. The YMCA focuses on three primary areas of emphasis: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The Belle Chasse YMCA is the 6th full service YMCA facility in the organization’s 8 Parish service area.
For more information about programs and services in the Metro area contact the YMCA of Greater New Orleans on the web: www.ymcaneworleans.org or by calling 504-568-9622. Contact Rosemary Suess with the Belle Chasse YMCA at 504-392-9622 or via email at rosemarys@ymcaneworleans.org.
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About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.