Three estates have helped to assure the future of the Montgomery County Family YMCA with bequests of $1.48 million benefitting the Y.   Mike Olson, Montgomery County Family YMCA board president, commenting on recent estate bequests of nearly $1.5 million, said “It’s very humbling to receive this amount of money and we feel so blessed to have people help to sustain the Y financially in such a big way.”  The bequeaths will help the Red Oak facility and its programs to assist the health and well-being of area residents.

Nick Zimmer, the Y’s executive director, states the majority of the new funding will support the permanent endowment of which only the principal’s interest can be spent, according to endowment by-laws, for operational needs and or long term maintenance needs. Zimmer acknowledges “with deep gratitude” the following bequests…

…$800,000 from the Charles and Norma Wilson Foundation

…$573,000 from the Helen Murphy Estate

…$109,000 from the Rod and Jean Farmer Estate

The Wilsons and Ms. Murphy were key contributors to initial construction of the Y as well as on-going financial support. Their service to numerous community endeavors has been previously widely-chronicled. According to Zimmer, Rod Farmer was instrumental in formulating initial multi-million dollar fund-raising strategies and also monitored the large, local volunteer effort it took to build the facility. “Rod provided his expertise throughout a 19-month period,” Zimmer said. “His Y background and knowledge of our market-size were crucial. He knew just how to raise $6.6 million, the most ever done in our county. He assisted YMCAs nationwide with their campaigns.”

Rod Farmer retired as CEO of the Greater Des Moines YMCA and previously held positions with the Kansas City (KS) and St. Louis YMCAs. He was a graduate of Fremont (NE) high school and Midland Lutheran University in Fremont. Jean Farmer also graduated from Midland with an education degree and taught many years in the Des Moines public schools.

Even with these sizeable gifts, Zimmer and Olson point out the continuing need for monetary support in order for the Y to function.  Zimmer said over the next 7 plus years the facility could have up to $1.7 million dollars worth of facility replacement cost to address it continues to keep the YMCA operating at the highest level of facility care possible.   Zimmer said “We sincerely appreciate everyone’s assistance, whatever and how much it may be.”

To learn more about the Montgomery County Family YMCA and how you can be involved call Nick Zimmer, YMCA Executive Director at 712-623-2161, stop in at the Montgomery County Family YMCA, visit them on Facebook, or visit the YMCA’s website at www.mcymca.com.