The Delta Air Lines Foundation Commits $250,000 to New Kent YMCA

Rendering of Kent YMCA opening in September 2019.

The grant will support the Y’s new Kent location opening September 14, 2019.

KENT, WA – The YMCA of Greater Seattle is one step closer to opening its newest branch in Kent, WA. The Delta Air Lines Foundation committed a quarter million dollars, helping the Kent Y reach 95 percent of its $36.6 million fundraising goal.

The new Kent Y opens September 14, 2019 and will be the first community hub of its kind in the Kent Community. The facility will offer community gathering spaces, an aquatic center, gym, three group fitness rooms, and a premium cardio and free-weight fitness floor. It will also bring a significant expansion of school, child care, and enrichment programs for children and teens hosted by the Y. To help the Y reach its fundraising goal to build a location in Kent, donate at givekentymca.org.

“We’re so grateful for Delta’s generosity over the years,” said Loria Yeadon, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. “We believe everyone deserves the opportunity and resources to reach their full potential, and Delta has supported our programs in numerous ways, not only financially but in time, effort, and volunteerism.” 

“Serving communities is at Delta’s core, and we partner closely with the YMCA of Greater Seattle through our commitment to donate one percent of net profits to charitable organizations each year,” said Tony Gonchar, Delta’s Vice President – Seattle. “As a YMCA of Greater Seattle board member, I’m well aware of the great work the Y is doing to build community and encourage the healthy development of our youth, and this grant from The Delta Air Lines Foundation will ensure the Y continues their service to our community for generations.”

The Delta Air Lines Foundation’s commitment builds upon a growing partnership between Delta and the Y. The Foundation committed a grant of $250,000 for the capital campaign for the Kent Y, which builds upon the annual financial support of Delta Air Lines to the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Through Delta’s annual financial support, the airline has helped young adults with resume writing, “flown” hundreds of Y second graders to the North Pole for holiday magic, and sent local teens on global trips to grow their cultural and leadership competencies. 

“We look forward to naming our new Welcome Center in honor of Delta,” emphasized Vivian Shannon, Chief Advancement Officer for the Y. “We wouldn’t be able to influence so many lives throughout King and south Snohomish counties without Delta’s support and appreciate their intentional investment in our work.”

Join the Kent Y

Anyone can sign-up as a charter member and qualify for the charter member gift pack by visiting kentymca.org. The Y is also hiring for its new location. Apply to work at the Y by visiting seattleymca.org/jobs. 

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About the Delta Air Lines Foundation

The Delta Air Lines Foundation is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1968 to enhance Delta’s charitable giving. The Foundation is focused on the key areas of education and health and wellness.  In the past decade, The Delta Air Lines Foundation has awarded more than $75 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.  

About the YMCA of Greater Seattle

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is the Northwest’s leading nonprofit organization strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1876, the Y reaches more than 260,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities, and financial circumstances annually through 13 branches, two overnight camps, and more than 200 program sites throughout King and south Snohomish counties. It nurtures more than 142,000 kids and teens to develop their gifts and give back to our community and engages thousands of volunteers who contribute hundreds of thousands of hours of service each year. Visit seattleymca.org.