Black Hills Corporation (BHC), parent company of Black Hills Energy, recently granted $25,000 to the Gothenburg YMCA project through their foundation.

The mission of Black Hills Corporation Foundation states that our future depends on healthy, vibrant communities and opportunities for our friends and neighbors to fulfill their potential. To that end, they make donations for civic, cultural, social and charitable purposes. “We are so grateful for the support of local partners like Black Hills,” stated Becky Jobman, Gothenburg Health Foundation Director, “this financial contribution clearly displays Black Hill’s commitment to the well-being of the communities that their customers and employees live and work within.”

The BHC Foundation funds projects based on its merits and has six areas of focus that successful grant requests typically fit into:

• Arts and culture
• Civic and community development
• Education
• Environment
• Human services
• Youth development

The Gothenburg Health Foundation applied for the grant in early 2017 through the civic and community development path. Black Hills notified the Gothenburg Health Foundation of the grant in early September and presented a commemoratory check in honor of the project in late September.

Groundbreaking for the $4.95 million project has occurred and completion is scheduled for April 2018. This recent grant along with other donations has brought the total amount raised close to $4.5 million, leaving just $470 thousand left to raise. The YMCA will be connected to Gothenburg Health as part of a joint project featuring a hospital renovation.

The Gothenburg YMCA will have year-round recreation opportunities for all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. When complete, the facility will include a high school regulation size gymnasium with two cross-courts; a four-lane swimming pool with space for kids play and physical therapy; an indoor walking track; a wellness center with weights and cardio machines; a spacious group exercise room; men’s, women’s and family locker rooms; a fun and educational child watch room, and a comfortable social lobby with free Wi-Fi access. In addition to all these planned components, there will be an abundance of educational space which include the potential for mentorship programs, early childhood development, after-school programs and career development opportunities for students; depending on community wants and needs.

The YMCA is a non-profit organization focusing on strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Click here for more information about the Black Hills Corporation Foundation.

The Gothenburg Health Foundation is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization. It is the primary organization responsible for raising funds for the Gothenburg YMCA project. For information about donating to the Gothenburg YMCA, please contact Becky Jobman: bjobman@gothenburghealth.org or (308) 537-4094.