Central Electric Cooperative Makes $10,000 Donation to Clarion County YMCA

Joanne Bauer

Joanne Bauer

Published January 24, 2018 5:31 am
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CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Central Electric Cooperative in Parker, Pennsylvania, recognizes the importance of a strong community.

[Photo: Ken Maleski (left), Interim Manager of Communication & Public Relations for Central Electric Cooperative; Milissa Bauer (center), co-chair of the YMCA Campaign; and Jesse Kelley, Clarion County YMCA Director.]

When Central Electric heard about the efforts to bring a full-service YMCA to Clarion County, they decided to make a difference with a $10,000.00 capital campaign contribution.

“We are committed to the communities we serve,” said Maleski. “It is part of our mission at Central Electric Cooperative. We want to be involved in the communities we serve and to make a difference.”

“Central Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, which means we are actually owned by our members,” Maleski noted.

“Margins (referred to as Capital Credits) are monies remaining after expenses or financial obligations have been met by the cooperative, and are paid annually to all members as an ownership benefit. If we cannot locate a member for up to five years to pay these Capital Credit funds, those monies are kept by the cooperative to support local community non-profit projects, assist with energy assistance or provide educational scholarships.”

Central Electric Cooperative was able to use $5,000.00 earmarked for civic funding from unclaimed Capital Credits, plus a $5,000.00 match from CoBank to make the $10,000.00 capital donation to the YMCA.

The campaign to build the new Clarion County YMCA facility has generated $7.5 million in gifts from community members and businesses and a $3 million Pennsylvania RACP (Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program) Grant.

An official groundbreaking was held in June 2017. Work at the site on Mayfield Road continues with vertical construction of the building throughout the winter. Completion of the project is expected in the fall of 2018.

The project includes a regional recreation center with a sports field located on a seven-acre tract easily accessible from Exit 62 off Interstate 80 near the Clarion Oaks Golf Course. The new facility will triple the size of the current Y and include a pool, a full-size gymnasium, an indoor track, a wellness center, a weight room, multiple purpose rooms, and locker facilities for men, women, and families.

The new YMCA will include a family warm water pool providing lap lanes, recreation and exercise, swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, and other activities. A rehabilitation partnership will also offer warm water therapy.

The YMCA is still accepting contributions.

For more information about the campaign, contact Campaign Communications Coordinator Cindy Nave at 814-226-9722 or clarioncountyymca.org.

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