Friends of Rutherford Pool raise more cash, move closer to financial goals
The Friends of the Rutherford Pool have raised an additional $12,000 at a fundraiser hosted by Eastern Michigan University President Sue Martin.
It's the latest in a series of recent successes for the group, which is now a third of the way to raising the $600,000 needed to rebuild the aging community pool on South Congress Street. It also puts the Friends just $23,000 shy of $223,000 in matching funds needed to qualify for a $300,000 Michigan Department of Natural Resources trust fund grant.
“The generosity of this community just continues to astound me,” said Friends member Lisa Wozniak in a written statement. “People in and around Ypsilanti clearly understand how important it is to have a new pool.”
The group received significant gifts from the Ford Motor Company Fund and from Charles Reinhart Realtors at Martin's fundraiser, as well as contributions from others in attendance.
Last week, the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees approved donating $10,000 to the Friends, and the group signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the management and ownership of the facility with the City of Ypsilanti. City Council approved the memorandum at its July 19 meeting.
The Friends have until Sept. 30 to raise the remaining $20,000 for the matching grant. The matching funds and $300,000 state grant would provide enough cash for a rebuild, but the Friends also want to start an endowment fund and maintenance fund.
The pool will close at the end of the summer if it isn't rebuilt due to extensive mechanical and structural issues.
Comments
Janice Anschuetz
Mon, Aug 1, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.
This is great and wonderful. It is good to see the cooperation of the university and the community. Everyone benefits. Hopefully the rest of the money will be raised.
catfishrisin
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 4:58 p.m.
Pres Martin should be more concerned about raising money for the university instead of a swimming pool.
eastsidemom
Wed, Aug 3, 2011 : 5:45 p.m.
Pres. Martin has proven herself to be an excellent neighbor and community member of the city as well as the university. It is a great quality in a Univ Pres.
joe golder
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 6:01 p.m.
EMU was first on her agenda! she was fund raising and favor raising for sure!!
Swimmer
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 12:11 p.m.
Moonunit, Rutherford services a very different population to the YMCA, with very different clientele who have different needs. YMCA required membership. Rutherford does not, and day passes are very affordable, especially for children, and that is what is required in the area.
moonunit
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 1:45 a.m.
Is it true that the Friends of the Rutherford pool rejected a proposal a few years back to have the YMCA take over and run the pool? If this is indeed the case, why was their a rejection, especially with money so tight everywhere, including with the City? The YMCA would have been a wonderful organization for this purpose which would have saved everyone a bunch of grief. To annarbor.com, you might want to formally ask this question of the group.
Eric
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 1:45 p.m.
Moonunit, The Y was intrested in running the pool, but not rebuilding it. We feel we do a good job of runnning the pool and doubt anyone could do it for less. Many of us volunteer our time here getting the pool up an running every spring & during fall shut down. Plus as Swimmer claims we do not require a membership, but allow daily passes. We also believe the YMCA is a wonderful organization, thiere summer camps program uses our pool. But they also didnt have the money to replace the pool.
Charlotte
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 8:50 p.m.
On August 13, 2011 The Kiwanis Club of Ypsilanti will host a field day event in co operation with the friends of the Rutherford Pool at Recreation Park located on Congress Street. The day will start at 8:30 with a Triatholon for kids between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT. Registration Proceeds will go to support the Rutherford Pool. The deadline to register is 8/3/2011. Please contact S_ibarguen@yahoo.com. or Cathy Bates at Rutherford Pool 734 482 4401. We will also be hosting a free field day for all kids between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. All kids can enjoy free hot dogs and beverages as well as receive prizes for game participation. From 1:30 to 2:00 A Media Event will be held celebrating The Kiwanis Club of Ypsilanti's 90 years of commitment to the children in the Ypsilant area with a Birthday Cake and cupcakes available to everyone. The fund raising campaign to rebuild the Rutherford Pool will also be highlighted. COME JOIN US AND HAVE FUN RAIN OR SHINE. We have a face book page as well, go to Kiwanis Club of Ypsilanti for additional information.
jrigglem
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.
I hope the pool meets it's goals. I also hope with the new pool they advertise it more. I lived in Ypsi the entire time I attended EMU and didn't even know there was a pool in the city.
nonyo
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 7:37 p.m.
I went by the pool the other day, great to see it being used by families and seniors. Maybe Rick Snyder could pitch in the extra cash, it's deductible, and would be a grand gesture. I think he can afford it.
markbn
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.
More likely Mr. Snyder will cement the pool closed after he takes over the city under the pretext of a financial emergency which he created. I do hope the Friends suceed, is there a website where I/we can make a donation? Thanks.