(Dodge City, KS) (westernkansasnews.com)

Organizers spearheading the newly formed YMCA in Dodge City have set a lofty goal as they embark on a Founder’s Campaign:  a fund drive to raise $1,250,000 for “startup costs.”  Dodge City YMCA Board Chairperson Dr. Mladen Perak says organizers have been working on forming the new “Y” for approximately 2-years.  Mladen says the group conducted various studies and determined that they needed $1.25-million just to cover the first five years.  After that, Mladen says, the Dodge City Y should be self-sustaining.  The group is also partnering with Dodge City and has pledged to take over the city’s Parks and Recreation facilities if the fundraising campaign is successful.  The YMCA would also add a Childcare Center to the Sheridan Center. 

The newly formed Dodge City YMCA Board has kicked off the fund-drive by donating approximately $115-thousand, or roughly 9% of the goal, from amongst themselves to the drive.  For more information on making a tax deductible donation call Marcy at (620) 275-1199.