Lockport Family YMCA's capital campaign reaches $10 million goal

The Lockport Family YMCA announced its capital campaign has reached its $10 million goal, thanks to a gift of $500,000 from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust. The funds from the campaign are allocated to the construction of a brand-new, 52,000-square-foot building located on Snyder Drive in South Lockport.

"We are confident that a new, centrally located YMCA is a necessary and vital step this organization must take in order to meet the changing and growing needs of the Eastern Niagara County community. Not only will a modern-day facility help to expand the Y's outreach and impact, but it will in turn make the Lockport community healthier and stronger," said Douglas C. Zinn, executive director of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust. "The Kenan Family and the YMCA have a deep-rooted history in working together to help strengthen the Lockport community."

The new facility is expected to break ground in July and open to the public in October 2018. Significantly larger than the existing facility on East Avenue, the new structure will expand Y programs to bring families and youth together, encourage good health, and build connections through fitness, sports and academic achievement.

"The Y is committed to nurturing the potential of today's youth, promoting healthy living for all, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. The heartfelt generosity of our donors makes it possible for the Lockport branch to expand and improve its facilities, and, most importantly, to further our reach and provide vital services to the community," said Buddy Campbell, YMCA Buffalo Niagara president and CEO. "We are excited to push our cause forward in such an impactful way."

For more information, or to support the Lockport Family YMCA's Capital Campaign, contact Anne Reif, vice president for association advancement of YMCA Buffalo Niagara, at 716-565-6000.

The Lockport Family YMCA has been a cornerstone in the community for the past 153 years, providing activities and programming for families, individuals and youth from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. As a charitable organization, the Lockport Family YMCA holds strong to the belief that no one should be turned away due to an inability to pay for programming. For more information, visit http://ymcabuffaloniagara.org/branches/lockport/lockport.html.