Swtizers donate $500,000 to new downtown Y

The donations continue to roll into YMCA of Northwest Florida for its new downtown facility. Today, the Switzer family–Bobby, Charlie and John–committed $500,000.

“Our family has a heart for children and families, and this project is a reflection of our interest in strengthening the next generation who will continue to make Pensacola a place where we all want to live,” John Switzer said. “We believe making this level of investment in a new Y is simply the right thing to do.”

The Switzer family gift builds on the support that the family has provided to the Pensacola area and to the YMCA for many years. In the late 1990s, when the current Downtown Branch was suffering from years of deferred maintenance and a declining membership, the Switzers jump started a campaign to update the building.

“That campaign enabled us to revitalize a then 50-year-old building and squeeze a little more life out of it,” said CEO Michael Bodenhausen. “This extremely generous gift from the Switzer family will continue their legacy for generations to come.”

“We are impressed with the overall project, but we’re most excited about the new pool,” John Switzer said. “In a community surrounded by water, every child should learn how to swim, plus the new Y’s pool will offer recreation for families, exercise for seniors, lap swimming, and a place for for rehab – all under one roof.”

“By making this gift, our family challenges other local families to step up to the plate and contribute to the campaign to ensure that this facility will be a success,” he said.