The new multi-purpose program area, called the Ameren Program Center, will be used for a wide range of YMCA programs and services, including programs that promote individual character development and personal growth for teens, as well as programs for people of all ages.
The YMCA in 2005 embarked on a $5 million capital campaign to complete a second YMCA facility in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area and to keep pace with the growing need to enhance programs and provide new services to an increasing number of youth and families. Ameren's gift put the YMCA over the $5.5 million mark.
The new Edwardsville YMCA Meyer Center, one of the largest YMCA's in the country, includes a multi-purpose gymnasium for recreational activities and sports leagues, a skate center for recreational skating, inline hockey and activities, a multi-purpose area for indoor tennis during the winter and day camp during the summer, a gymnastics center, a wellness center, a climbing wall, an indoor track, and men's, women's and family locker facilities.
Each year, the Ameren Corporation Charitable Trust donates millions of dollars to programs in education, services for the youth and elderly, and the environment in the company's Missouri and Illinois service areas. Corporate contributions come entirely from corporate earnings and are not charged to customers as a business expense.
"The YMCA provides many quality services and programs to families and individuals \- our customers \- in the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon areas," said Tobie Grover, division manager, AmerenIP. "We are proud to financially support the YMCA and to help the organization reach it campaign goals. Ameren's contribution to this new facility represents the company's commitment to assist the communities we serve."
"We are extremely grateful for Ameren's generous gift to the campaign. The company's support, coupled with the outstanding support from the people of the communities we serve, will allow us to provide a better YMCA for all to enjoy," said Executive Director Gary Niebur.
YMCA Capital Campaign Chairman Dennis Terry praised Ameren for its generous gift. "The YMCA is an integral part of our community and Ameren's gift will help make it even better," Terry said.
Niebur added that the completion of the program room, which was not finished during the construction of the new Mayer Center, "will allow us to open the area for new and enhanced YMCA programs that will serve people of all ages."
About Ameren:
AmerenIP is a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation. Ameren companies serve 2.3 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers over a 64,000-square-mile area of Missouri and Illinois.
About YMCA of Edwardsville:
The YMCA of Edwardsville is a nonprofit, community based organization with the mission to "put Christian principle into practice through programs that build healthy body, mind and spirit for all." Since 1949 the YMCA of Edwardsville has served the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon and surrounding areas. It is an organization committed to improving the quality of life for the children and adults it serves through a variety of programs and services.
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