Salem, IN - June 19, 2024 - The Washington County Family YMCA is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the Drive For the Future Raffle Event, with Jedidiah Trainor of Pekin, IN emerging as the lucky winner. Trainor won a brand-new Bronco Sport, which he generously decided to gift to his 17-year-old son, Hunter, a student at Salem High School.

The raffle was a highlight of the YMCA's Beth Armstrong Y-For All Capital Campaign, launched on May 11th with a lively Cars and Coffee event at Salem Motorsports Park. The campaign aims to raise funds to build a childcare and family recreation center for the community.

Jedidiah Trainor purchased his ticket after Hunter's mother, Beverly, bought one, believing their chances of winning were good, especially with only 2,000 tickets available. Beverly even visited the YMCA Fair Booth on Monday, playfully urging the staff to draw either her or Jed’s ticket. Her enthusiasm and optimism turned out to be well-placed, as Fair Board President Rose Anderson drew Jedidiah's winning ticket live on Facebook on June 19th at 6 pm at the Washington County Fair.

Despite selling only 450 of the 2,000 available tickets, the event was still a success, netting approximately $10,000 for the capital campaign after expenses. YMCA CEO Kristy Purlee expressed her gratitude, noting that many were led to purchase a ticket to support such a worthy cause. "This was about more than just the raffle; it was about coming together as a community to support the future of our children and families," Purlee stated.

The YMCA Board of Directors, while surprised by the lower-than-expected ticket sales, viewed the event as a positive and innovative way to raise awareness for the Capital Campaign Project. Rusty Hudson, YMCA Board President, remarked, "I feel the value of the public relations and attention received for our cause was far greater than we anticipated."

The Washington County Family YMCA extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and supported the raffle event. Your contributions are helping to build a brighter future for our community.

For more information about the Beth Armstrong Y-For All Capital Campaign and how you can get involved, please visit our website or contact the Washington County Family YMCA directly.

The Washington County Family YMCA is excited to launch YMCA360! This brand-new Video on Demand and Live Streaming service brings the Y experience seamlessly to mobile devices, TVs, streaming devices and the web, and will be included free with every YMCA membership.

With YMCA360, pursuing a healthier lifestyle is possible anytime and anywhere. Members will be able to view and participate in hundreds of group exercise classes, youth sports training, well-being classes, cooking classes, remotely connect with personal trainers, view daily live fitness classes and so much more. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

“YMCA360 allows people to pursue a healthier mind, body, and spirit at their own pace, on their schedule, and in any location. Be it in our facility, in their living rooms, or while traveling,” Kristy Purlee, Chief Executive Officer.

When the YMCA shut down in 2020 due to COVID-19, the staff worked hard to continue finding ways to fulfill the Y’s mission even with their doors closed. From their living rooms, back yards, and basements they created and shared hundreds of videos on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, free to the community. When their doors reopened the desire to continue connecting with people in new innovative ways led the Washington County Family YMCA to bring YMCA360 to their members.

“With many affected by COVID-19, we saw a need for an innovative way to offer programs that could be accessed from anywhere,” said Purlee. “We are excited to expand our class offerings through YMCA360. This is a great way for us to continue to live out our mission in Washington County and the surrounding areas.”

YMCA360 is available free to the community now through December 31, 2021. Beginning January 1st, it will switch to a members-only benefit. 

YMCA360 is available now on Apple TV, iOS, and Roku. Android and Android TV support will be launching soon! Individuals and families who are interested in learning more about YMCA360 or membership options can visit www.wcfymca.org or speak with staff at the Washington County Family YMCA Member Service Desk.