The Martinsville-Henry County YMCA hosted a special event on Sept. 30 at Hamlet Vineyards to officially launch the Transforming Community Capital Campaign, an initiative to build the new Lester Family YMCA. The celebration, sponsored by The Lester Group, brought together donors and friends of the Y to honor those who have already supported the project and to invite the broader community to join in this historic effort.
The new 60,000-square-foot YMCA will be constructed on a 7-acre site near the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and Fayette Street. Once complete, the facility will serve as a hub for wellness, youth development, and community connection. Strategically located near Albert Harris Elementary School, the Fayette Historic District, Uptown Martinsville, and the new Five Points Neighborhood, the Y will be positioned to strengthen access and opportunity for all.
Plans for the new YMCA include a state-of-the-art wellness center, three full-court gymnasiums,
an indoor aquatic center, an elevated indoor walking track, and multiple group exercise and
community rooms. An Early Learning Center and a variety of outdoor amenities are also part of
the plans.
“We are so thankful for all the generous support we have received to date,” said Brad Kinkema, CEO of the Martinsville-Henry County YMCA. “Because of the leadership support of many at this event, we are thrilled to announce that we have raised over $6.7 million toward the construction of this transformational community project.” He added, “Tonight, we celebrate this momentum and extend an invitation to everyone in our community to join us in shaping the future of Martinsville-Henry County.”
The total cost of the project is estimated at $28 million. In addition to the Harvest Foundation’s previously announced $12 million investment and the Transforming Community Capital Campaign, the YMCA is also pursuing various funding grants from public sector sources.
“This is such an exciting time for Martinsville and Henry County as our YMCA embarks on this transformational project for our community,” stated Natalie Hodge Davis, community advocate. “The vision for the new Lester Family YMCA will significantly increase the number of children, families, adults, and seniors who will have access to expanded YMCA facilities and programs.”
To learn more about the plans for the new YMCA or to make a gift to the Transforming Community Capital Campaign, visit martinsvilleymca.com/capitalcampaign or contact Brad Kinkema at (276) 632-6427 or brad@martinsvilleymca.com.
