By Sarah Schulz
sarah.schulz@theindependent.com

The announcement was made Monday afternoon that the YWCA had raised $61,538. That amount includes $5,000 from Mark Stelk, owner/operator of General Collection.

Stelk had pledged the money to the organization if it reached its $55,000 goal, a major increase from last year's goal of $45,000.

YWCA Board President Tara Keenan and Executive Director Jennifer Larson presented Stelk and his wife, Wanda, with a plaque as a thank you for the donation. The plaque included Stelk's mother's name since she was the inspiration behind his gift.

Stelk said he was born and raised in Grand Island and has known about the YWCA's programs since he was a teen. His mother was very active in the organization and the women she met at the YW meant a great deal to her, he said.

"The Y has a special place in my heart," he said.

Keenan said the board decided on the higher goal because of increased day-to-day operational costs. The money will also be used for building improvements and to add and expand programs.

Programs offered at the YWCA, 211 E. Fonner Park Road, include Almost Home, child care, exercise classes, youth programs, and dance classes.

The campaign started Nov. 1, 2007, with letters, which were followed with phone calls and more letters. The approximately 700 active members of the YWCA were also contacted during two "phone-a-thon" sessions, Keenan said.

The members were challenged to raise what they had given previously and many of them did so, she said.

During the brief press conference, Keenan thanked the people of Grand Island for their generosity.