For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Mead Witter Foundation, Inc., has joined in supporting the new YMCA and Boys & Girls Club, located in downtown Wisconsin Rapids, with approval of a $350,000 contribution to the Building Futures Together Campaign. Leaders of the campaign have been working with community donors to provide a new facility that will house the local YMCA and Boys & Girls Club.

This gift will be focused on supporting the YMCA’s early learning programs and state-of-the-art childcare center. The Mead Witter Foundation was established in 1951 and has provided charitable support to civic organizations, with one of its areas of focus being youth and social service agencies such as the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club. The long standing commitment of the Foundation to both organizations can be linked back to 1958, when Stanton W. Mead was part of the original Board of Directors for the SWC YMCA.

“The Mead Witter Foundation has supported both the Boys & Girls Club of Wisconsin Rapids and the YMCA from their inception. Countless community members of Wisconsin Rapids and the surrounding area have been served by each organization. The Foundation recognizes the accomplishments of each organization. Through this gift, we’re supporting the combined effort of two organizations we believe are an essential part of Wisconsin Rapids’ future. The Foundation also enthusiastically welcomes the revitalization that the new YMCA and Boys and Girls Club will bring to the downtown area,” George W. Mead, Mead Witter Foundation chairman, said.

The $27.5 million project held a ground breaking ceremony in August 2018 for the new facility. Since then, demolition and abatement has begun to make way for the combination of a renovated and newly constructed space that will encompass approximately 90,000 square feet at the former Rapids Mall. The new facility is anticipated to open March 2020 and will include space for programs designed to address a wide range of community health, wellness and developmental needs.

Because of incredible generous donors like the Mead Witter Foundation, along with the commitment of local volunteers and staff, the Building Futures Together Campaign will serve as a model for impacting the health and well-being of children, individuals, and families for generations to come.

If you would like to learn more about the Building Futures Together Capital Campaign, individuals can visit the website at https://app.southwoodymca.org/.