The Mead Witter Foundation, Inc., has joined in supporting the new YMCA and Boys & Girls Club, located in downtown Wisconsin Rapids, with approval of a $350,000 contribution to the Building Futures Together Campaign. Leaders of the campaign have been working with community donors to provide a new facility that will house the local YMCA and Boys & Girls Club.
This substantial gift will be focused on supporting the YMCA’s early learning programs and state-of-the-art childcare center. The Mead Witter Foundation was established in 1951 and has provided charitable support to civic organizations, with one of its areas of focus being youth and social service agencies such as the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club. The long standing commitment of the Foundation to both organizations can be linked back to 1958 when Stanton W. Mead was part of the original Board of Directors for the SWC YMCA.
“The Mead Witter Foundation has supported both the Boys & Girls Club of Wisconsin Rapids and the YMCA from their inception. Countless community members of Wisconsin Rapids and the surrounding area have been served by each organization. The Foundation recognizes the accomplishments of each organization. Through this gift, we’re supporting the combined effort of two organizations we believe are an essential part of Wisconsin Rapids’ future. The Foundation also enthusiastically welcomes the revitalization that the new YMCA and Boys and Girls Club will bring to the downtown area,” George W. Mead, Mead Witter Foundation Chairman, said.
The $27.5 million project held a ground breaking ceremony in August 2018 for the new facility. Since then, demolition and abatement has begun to make way for the combination of a renovated and newly constructed space that will encompass approximately 90,000 square feet at the former Rapids Mall. The new facility is anticipated to open March 2020 and will include space for programs designed to address a wide range of community health, wellness and developmental needs.
Because of incredible generous donors like the Mead Witter Foundation, along with the commitment of local volunteers and staff, the Building Futures Together Campaign will serve as a model for impacting the health and well-being of children, individuals, and families for generations to come.
About John E. Alexander South Wood County YMCA
The YMCA has been serving South Wood County since 1957. The Y is the place to go for family events, activities, and fun. Annually, more than 15,000 individuals participate in YMCA programs and services where no one is ever turned away for an inability to pay. The Y offers more than 100 programs for everyone from toddlers to active older adults. In addition, the YMCA runs seven before and after school programs that serve nearly 200 families in the community. During the summer, YMCA Camp Alexander offers the opportunity for 500 young people to experience the joys of day and resident camp. You can find more information at swcymca.org.
About Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area
The Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area provides before and after-school programming for youth ages 6-18 in Wisconsin Rapids, Nekoosa and Port Edwards. The mission of Boys & Girls Club is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Boys & Girls Club focuses programming efforts on three key outcome areas: Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, and Health Lifestyles. The Club serves over 2,100 youth throughout South Wood County each year through membership and additional outreach programs for non-members. Learn more by visiting bgcwra.org and facebook.com/bgcwra. The Boys & Girls Club is a proud partner of the United Way of Inner Wisconsin.