A year ago the YMCA of the Northwoods identified specific space needs the organization requires for continued growth, and began a Building for the Future capital campaign over the summer.  In spite of challenges 2020 has brought to the Northwoods, that campaign continues to gain ground, with help from local family businesses, like Ali Shoeder and Scott Borths of Shoeder’s RV & Marine.

“We see constantly how much of an impact the YMCA makes in the Rhinelander area, and we’re happy to be able to help support them,” Ali and Scott said. “We use the YMCA almost daily, taking advantage of the gym facilities, basketball league, youth nights and drop-in daycare, and love that they have options for every member of our family.”

The couple noted they are impressed by what the Y gives back to the community, from organizing family-friendly events to using Y resources to help solve community-wide shortages such as child care.

The Building for the Future Capital Campaign is raising money to double the capacity for early learning and out-of-school enrichment time for youth, expand opportunities for teens, grow impactful and meaningful programming for all ages, allow 24/7 access to the YMCA wellness center and main gymnasium, among other things.

“Out of our community needs assessment we knew that quality child care, safe spaces for youth and teens, along with more opportunity for adults was necessary for our community,” said YCMA of the Northwoods CEO Ryan Zietlow. “This vision is a culmination of the past few years of dialogue and discussion with our friends and neighbors on how to best use our community resources, not duplicate existing resources and make a meaningful impact. We have great appreciation to Shoeder’s RV & Marine for their thoughtful and meaningful gift that will create change. Without them this impact is not possible.”

The YMCA of the Northwoods has raised nearly $1.5 million toward their goal of $2 million. For more information, visit ymcaofthenorthwoods.org.