Igniting
A healthy legacy
Campaign overview
The YMCA of the Okobojis’s goal for the future is to assure all resources are used in the most efficient way to support our communities and our mission.
These projects and initiatives to improve the infrastructure of our association are paramount to our continued success in supporting the families of the Iowa Great Lakes and Camp Foster community.
Our desire is to be a fully sustainable organization. Our vision for a healthy financial future is to become debt free and work to grow our endowment. With no debt and an endowment for organizational support, the YMCA of the Okobojis will be able to reinvest in our organization though facility updates, programs and staffing expansions to meet the needs of our evolving communities.
Campaign Update (May 2022): Due to increased pricing for construction and materials costs since the launch of the Igniting a Healthy Legacy Campaign, the YMCA is now implementing a two-phase approach to our construction projects. Learn more about the Phased approach.
Overall Campaign Status: 90% funded

Phase 2 fundraising is in progress!
Phase 2 includes Camp Foster Visitors Center, Health Center renovation, Camper Cabin and remaining endowment growth goal.
Priorities for Campaign Moving Forward:
#1 – Visitor Center – (Estimated Cost $891,341)
#2 – Remaining Endowment Funding (Secured and to be completed in 2023)
#3 – Health Lodge Renovation that will also open an additional cabin for campers (Estimated Cost – $354,132)
#4 – More Additional Cabin Space
Phase 1 Status: 100% funded!

Phase 1 Includes:
- Bedell Family YMCA Aquatics Center renovations (nearly complete)
- Camp Foster Dining Hall expansion (construction in progress)
- Camp Foster Airnasium construction (construction in progress)
- Retirement of long-term organizational debt
- Facilitation of partial designated endowment growth
Check out the Camp Foster construction progress photo slideshow or video update.
Sustainability
Eliminating organizational debt and growing our endowment funds will allow us to reinvest over $250,000 annually, providing better services to members and campers and ensuring we’re able to keep up with the needs of our community.
Funds currently utilized for debt service can be:
- Redirected to expand programs & enhance facilities
- Used to provide the best possible experience for children and families at an affordable price
marketing materials
Our partners
Thank you to these leaders for their commitment to the Igniting a healthy legacy campaign. WANT TO HELP? please fill out THE VOLUNTEER FORM BY CLICKING THE BUTTON BELOW.
Ginny Gunderson
Brad Schmitz
Michele Goodenow
Kelly Hoien
Barry Sackett
Andrew Fisher
Amanda Shaffer
Cindy Rosa
Jeremy Morrison
Bill Kallsen
Nick Zimmer
Sonja Hamm
Leo Kofoot
Nate Gruys
Greta Gruys
Barb Mendenhall
Dr. Walter Mendenhall
Angie Gillespie
Josh Miller
Kristy Miller
Jen Petersen
Brian Petersen
Chuck Skogerboe
Susie Skogerboe
Ken Lockard
Duane Mueske
Willia Mueske
Amy Maris
Joe Conover
Brent O’Hara
Ann Goerss
Dr. Jeff Goerss
Dick Mau
Donna Mau
Barry Nadler
Andrea Nadler
Dr. Craig Cunningham
Lauren Cunningham
Dan Hummel
Jane Hummel
Curt Petersen
Juli Johnson
Brittney Janicek
Cory Danielson
Jaymee Rickman
Amber Christensen
Reid DenHerder
Reannon DenHerder
Jaime Brecher
Diane Lockard
Joe Andres
John Adams Jr.
Michelle Adams
Tracy Evans
Lance Evans
Ali Schmitz
Julie Andres
Dr. Chris Rierson
Abby Rierson
Mike Vander Pol
Brittany Vander Pol
Chad Harms
Jill Harms
PJ Miller
Emily Miller
Luke Donnenwerth
Megan Donnenwerth
Brad Beck
Kyle Johnson
Paula Edwards
Jason Christensen
Justin Derner
Shelly Derner
Abby Walleck
Danielle Tewes
Jason Harrington
Mary Kay Bates
Josh Carr
Holly Skopec
Val Hinrickson
Mickey Harrington
Marty Spies
Chris Martin
Amy Pas
Alex Oponski
Andy Wolf
Mark Dykema
Dave Dau
Anna Veltri
Nancy Thacker
Brian Forney
Kyle Struve
Kevin Godfredsen
Ali Eisenman
Brad Simington
Laurie Simington
Brad Jungers
Jo VanPatten
Lindsey Keonin
Theresa Goehring