Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads has received a $10 million transformational grant awarded by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The gift is the largest in the organization’s history and one of 384 nonprofits whose “carefully selected teams have dedicated their lives to helping others, working and volunteering and serving real people face-to-face,” said Scott in her December 15 announcement.

“Our Y is filled with gratitude and thankfulness in Mackenzie Scott’s recognition of the Y’s contributions to the communities we serve, specifically in the areas of child care during the pandemic, our ability to pivot our centers by distributing and collecting food for those in need, and our commitment to diversity and inclusion practices,” says Anthony Walters, president and CEO of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.

“Our board and staff are working diligently to make sure this resource is impactful in changing the lives of many for years to come. We are making plans as we speak to address immediate recovery from the pandemic, while also considering how best to apply and leverage this provided treasure for the long term strength of the YMCA in all the communities we serve,” said Walters.

A press release from the YMCA stated the grant was unexpected and “was incredibly needed as Ys across the nation have experienced tragic and significant injury during the pandemic and recovery efforts are expected well into the future. This generous gift will afford the YMCA of South Hampton Roads the ability to continue its response to child care needs, deliver virtual wellness services, and strengthen our collaborative efforts to ensure we are maximizing reach of essential programs to our communities.”

“We are incredibly honored that MacKenzie Scott saw fit to invest this one-time, unrestricted gift in us! Her trust and confidence in our ability to conduct services that are equitable, accessible, and open to all, is extremely humbling and a great testament to the countless volunteers, members, stakeholders, and staff that have worked so hard to keep this YMCA moving forward,” stated Walters. “This grant changes the lives of the people we serve.”

The YMCA’s press release stated it is the organization’s hope that Scott’s “generosity is a catalyst for additional public and private support for the work of the Y and other community-serving organizations.”

The Outer Banks Family YMCA in Nags Head, Currituck Family YMCA in Barco and Albemarle Family YMCA in Elizabeth City are among the YMCA of South Hampton Roads locations.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.

RECENT HEADLINES:

First semester testing schedule for Dare approved

Roanoke Island Festival Park holds Countdown to Christmas game