Putnam County YMCA CEO Aaron Baumgartner thanked donors for their contribution to the YMCA’s recent $300,000 project.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
OTTAWA — The YMCA of Putnam County was gifted funding from multiple donors to replace its air-handling unit. According to the recent press release, the unit conditions the air around the indoor heated swimming pool. The $300,000 project was funded with the help of generous giving.
In addition to funding from the State of Ohio, the YMCA received donations from a number of local organizations as well.
The Putnam County YMCA CEO Aaron Baumgartner hosted an open house to officially thank those who gave a helping hand.
“It is not every day that you have to replace an HVAC unit the size of a bus,” said Baumgartner. “When you do have to, you are glad to have friends. Not only did we get a part capital budget from the State to complete this project but Mercy Health, Unverferth Manufacturing and the village of Ottawa stepped up to be pillars of the YMCA. The current HVAC unit has been serving us well for 18 years but it has reached the end of its life.”
Tony Schroeder, Putnam County Republican chairman, joined the open house on behalf of Ohio State Senator Rob McColley (R) and Ohio State Representative Jim Hoops (R).
“We were very glad to have their intervention and help in arranging a portion of the funding necessary for replacing the natatorium through the capital budget process,” said Schroeder. “The capital budget is done every two years. It provides local resources to local governments and non-profit entities. We were very fortunate to have their involvement when that happened.”
Schroeder said a key requirement to aid non-profit entities is having a community partner like Mercy Health and Unverferth.
Mercy Health-St. Rita’s President Ronda Lehman weighed in on the project.
“People think about the hospital itself, but we know we have a presence in a lot of additional places,” said Lehman. “In fact, over 900 people in Putnam County work at a Mercy Health across our footprint. We definitely feel connected to Putnam County and certainly our presence at the YMCA with the therapy and the things we have been able to do here. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with you all and have our name on something that promotes health and wellness in this community.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
