New YMCA to be named 'The Lester Family YMCA'
The new YMCA in Martinsville is $2.5 million closer to its goal of $28 million, and with the latest gift, has chosen a name for the new facility.
George W. Lester II, 85, chairman of The Lester Group, one of the largest companies based in Martinsville, has made a commitment of $2.5 million to build the new YMCA near uptown, a release on Wednesday stated.
"The YMCA leadership is grateful to Mr. Lester for his commitment to the proposed YMCA," said Martinsville-Henry County YMCA CEO Brad Kinkema in the release. "We're hopeful Mr. Lester's commitment will encourage additional donations during the leadership phase of the fundraising campaign for the Y."
The projected cost of the building is $28 million and The Harvest Foundation has committed $12 million to the campaign.
Lester took over his father's sawmill business and transitioned it into a wholesale and retail building materials store. The company owns forest land, commercial, industrial and residential real estate in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
"The Lester family has been a contributing member of the Martinsville-Henry County community, and it's my privilege to make this gift honoring the legacy of our family's community service," said Lester in the release.
The new YMCA will be situated on a 7-acre site near the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and Fayette Street. The proposed building will include a fitness center, three full-court gymnasiums, indoor aquatic center, indoor elevated walking track, and group exercise spaces. An early learning center, community rooms and outdoor amenities are also planned.
Bill Wyatt (276) 591-7543
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