YMCA of Grays Harbor Receives $250,000 from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

ABERDEEN, Wash. -- From the groundbreaking ceremony for the YMCA's new Hoquiam facilities, the YMCA of Grays Harbor announced today that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded $250,000 for their capital campaign.

"We have been serving the Grays Harbor area for almost 100 years. With the help of the Foundation, we are a big step closer to completing our dream of a new YMCA to help us serve this area for the next hundred years," stated Doug Bottger, executive director of the YMCA of Grays Harbor. "We are excited to have the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a partner."

The $10 million capital campaign is the pivotal effort in the YMCA's commitment to improve its facilities in Grays Harbor County. Last year, the Aberdeen and Hoquiam YMCAs – which have a combined history of 150 years – joined together. The new YMCA will allow for all services to expand, including a revamped teen outreach program. Two swimming pools will accommodate everything from beginner's swimming lessons to arthritis exercise classes.

"YMCAs have a long history of service to members of our community both young and old. I am excited that we are able to help the YMCA of Grays Harbor build its new facility and expand its services," said William H. Gates, Sr., Co-Chair and CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "We are proud to help the YMCA of Grays Harbor."