Organizers in Woodland are planning to kick off a $12.6 million fundraising campaign to help get a YMCA facility built there.
The Woodland Community Swimming Pool Committee (WCSPC) will launch the “More than a Pool Campaign” on March 19 at Holland America (1066 S Pekin Road).
The campaign aims to fund the construction of a pool and recreation center on the shores of Horseshoe Lake that would be operated by the YMCA of the Columbia Willamette.
“This is so much more than a pool,” said Benno Dobbe, owner of Holland America and president of the Woodland Community Swimming Pool Committee. “Having a pool here is very important, of course. The safety factor alone, given our community’s proximity to and love for water, makes this a critical addition. We need to ensure our children grow up as confident swimmers. Every drowning is an absolute tragedy that we could help to prevent.”
The theme for the campaign kickoff event is “Tiptoe through the Tulips.”
“This is the first of several events we plan to have in Clark and Cowlitz counties,” said Dobbe. “Each will have its own theme, depending on who is hosting and where. It seemed appropriate that we host the first one at our place.”
The event is an invitation-only event with limited seating.
“We are calling this a celebration of philanthropy,” added Dobbe. “We will be doing a paddle raise to reach our initial fundraising goal, along with a small auction to help pay for the expenses of putting on the event, which will include a dinner and beverages.”
Bob Hall, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Columbia Willamette, said the YMCA is excited to come to Woodland.
“This is a perfect opportunity for us to serve Woodland and its surrounding communities,” he said. “And of course we will do all we can to make sure the fundraising is successful.”
To learn more about the More than a Pool Campaign, email info@woodlandymca.org. For more information about the Woodland YMCA project, visit WoodlandYMCA.org.
