Hy-Vee donates to Washington Y indoor pool

WASHINGTON — Staff at the Washington Hy-Vee presented a $10,000 donation to YMCA of Washington County Monday, bringing the organization that much closer to affording its indoor pool project scheduled for a groundbreaking ceremony on July 11.

With a total cost of up to $8.5 million expected for the project, Hy-Vee Manager Dale Sparks said the pool would have a big impact on the community.

“When we had our meetings here at the store on the thing we were looking at donating money to, all the employees liked the Y,” he said. “As kids, they went there, and had a lot of good times there. And everybody likes the Y here in Washington, so we thought it would be a good thing to be a part of.”

Sparks said the donation had been planned for some time now, but that the store only recently got approval from Hy-Vee’s higher management to sign the check.

Washington Y CEO Amy Schulte said the contribution was emblematic of the indoor pool’s fundraising efforts.

"We just want to thank Dale and all of the Washington Hy Vee team for the donation to the indoor aquatic center,“ she said in a statement. ”The support from local businesses has played a key role in making this project possible. We are truly grateful to so many businesses, organizations and individuals come together to support this new pool."

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com