During a time when many families are cutting back, some families still want to give.
Thanks to three different donors, a new YMCA in East County saw its groundbreaking begin Tuesday. The new complex will be located in Rancho San Diego but it will also serve El Cajon, Jamul, Spring Valley and Casa de Oro.
One of the major donors, the Pugh family, made a donation in honor of their son, Dallas who committed suicide almost 14 years ago. The Pugh Family Foundation, which donated $1 million, said they would like to encourage self-confidence and invest in youth suicide prevention, according to the YMCA. They pledged to raise another $500,000 for the project.
The McGrath Family Foundation, the new center’s namesake, donated $2.5 million. Laurie McGrath, a board member of the Mission Valley YMCA and East County resident, said she donated because there was a community need.
Also contributing to the project is the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation, which provided $1.5 million.
Construction for the project will begin in February. The new center will be 35,000 sq. ft and will be a full-service center. The McGrath Family YMCA Sports Complex will be located at 12012 Campo Road in Rancho San Diego.
