This week, the Princeton Family YMCA launches “Project Jump Shot”, a $30,000 capital campaign to upgrade the Dodge Gymnasium which was constructed more than 40 years ago, in 1972.
For generations, the Dodge Gym has been a center of activity in town, with thousands of residents of all ages using the gym for basketball, fencing, volleyball, pickle ball, afterschool activities, and events. The Project Jump Shot campaign will provide resources to purchase four new backboards, winches, wall pads, and two brand new scoreboards to round out other recent gym improvements, including a curtain and floor refinishing.
“Project Jump Shot follows on the heels of the successful Project Jump Start, the campaign that brought the Jim and Nancye Fitzpatrick Wellness Center to reality,” explained Board of Directors Chairman Paul Biondi of Skillman, “We hear it all the time — our members are thrilled to have these improvements. We know our facility needs the shot in the arm, and these kinds of upgrades are much appreciated. We’re very grateful to everyone who helps make the Y a place we can enjoy together – and be proud to say they’re a part of it.”
The Project Jump Shot Campaign Cabinet includes board members Bradley Ackerman (Princeton), Vicky Corrodi (Princeton), Will Dove (Princeton), Ashley Henderson (Princeton), PJ Jayachandran (Princeton) and Bill Rue, Jr. (Skillman). The committee will seek support from Y members, program participants, the general public and local businesses. Limited scoreboard sponsorships are available.
“James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, was mostly motivated by his affiliation with the YMCA,” said Kate Bech, CEO of the Princeton Family YMCA. “He created the sport because he observed a need for the teens he worked with to have a positive outlet. The game was the conduit through which he taught important lessons of teamwork, discipline, and responsibility, while of course having some fun and healthy competition. He also taught values. His approach is still the Y way. Creating a space that supports these activities is at the heart of this campaign – and central to our mission.”
The campaign will launch the week of February 23, and run through the month of March, a favorite time of year especially for basketball fans. Dodge Gymnasium was named for the Dodge Family, whose foundation has been a major supporter of the Y mission for more than a century throughout the country. The Dodge family relationship was even closer to home for the Princeton community: the late David Dodge of Princeton was a member of the YMCA’s board of directors and an active member of the YMCA’s Executive Club.
To make a donation, volunteer or learn more about the YMCA’s campaign and membership opportunities please contact Denise Soto, Development and Communications Director, at 609-497-9622 x209 or [email protected]. Online contributions may be made on the YMCA’s website: www.princetonymca.org/donate.
About the YMCA
The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.
Image Credit: Kim Schmidt
Caption for Photo: Pictured are members of the Campaign Cabinet with their children and friends. Cabinet members are (second from left, back row) Will Dove, PJ Jayachandran, Vicky Corrodi and Brad Ackerman, all of Princeton. Not pictured are Ashley Henderson of Princeton and Bill Rue of Skillman.
