YMCA raises almost $29,000 with Pedal for the Pool

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A new indoor pool is closer to reality at the YMCA, thanks to a fundraiser held Monday morning.

Volunteers started biking at 5:30 a.m. Monday with a goal of raising $5,000 for the pool. That milestone was crushed early on, with callers continuing to donate throughout the event, which wrapped up at 11 a.m., eventually raising $28,929.

"It's a great day. The momentum is amazing, and it is just really awesome," YMCA CEO Tammy Killin said. "Not about the money, but it's about community support, community engagement and to really make this thing happen."

One of the many riders, Erin Creedy had a 75 mile goal when she arrived early Monday morning. She said she is passionate about the pool because all of her kids were swimmers and she believes in the sport.

"It doesn't discriminate, it doesn't care if you're nine months or your 90 years," Creedy said. "Swimming is a lifetime activity."

Joined alongside Creedy was Savannah summer rec swim coach Jenny Denney. She finished her morning after biking 65 miles. She hoped this event would put the word out for the pool and show that it is much needed for the community.

"We really need the facility we need the space for all the high school teams, Central and Savannah and then also the club team, bridging the gap," Denney said. "Swim lessons, that's the other thing. I know swim teams are big passion but if you don't have the swim lessons you're not going to have the swim teams."

The YMCA currently sits slightly over $14.1 million and needs to reach $15 million before the end of the month.