The YMCA of the Okoboji has announced they have received another significant contribution to their Igniting a Healthy Legacy Campaign from Dr. Randy and Amy Pas.
“Randy and I were eager to support the Igniting a Healthy Legacy Campaign,” says Amy. “We believe the impact Camp Foster and Bedell Family YMCA have on youth goes far into their future. Our kids were involved in YMCA youth sports, and they were great experiences. Randy and I even helped coach some of the young teams.”
Amy had a connection to Camp Foster specifically, having been a Camp Foster camper in her youth.
“I first heard about Camp Foster in grade school in Britt, IA. It was spring and the teacher passed out brochures about Camp Foster YMCA. I read the brochure and was amazed at the activities. Horseback riding, archery, rifle range, and campfires at night were the big draws for me,” says Amy. “My mom noticed that you had to be eight years old to attend weekly camps, and being the youngest in my class, I wouldn’t be eight until September.”
Undeterred by the age requirement, Amy wrote a letter to Camp Foster explaining that she was just as mature as the eight-year-old kids in her grade and could handle camp just as well. Her letter was answered with the response that if Amy’s parents wanted to send her to camp, sending her at seven years old would be fine.
“I went not knowing any of the other campers, and it was great! Mom picked me up at the end of the week and had to endure me singing the whole way home. That was the first of seven years of attending Camp Foster and camp is now forever in my heart.”
She went on to say, “Camp Foster is special because of its history. Generations of people have experienced campfire at sundown. I love the lake and how the camp is tucked into this quiet space close to all the summer noise. The sound of the rain hitting the tall tree leaves during a rain shower still sticks in my mind.”
Andrew Fisher, YMCA of the Okobojis CEO said of the gift, “The Pas family have long been supporters of the YMCA and Camp Foster. We’re thankful for dedicated donors like Randy and Amy who see the value in our vision for a sustainable YMCA, and lead by example in supporting our efforts in supporting youth and families in the YMCA and Camp Foster communities.”
To date, 87% of the Igniting a Healthy Legacy Campaign’s $6.5M total has been funded.
For more information, or to support the Igniting a Healthy Legacy Campaign, visit www.ignitecampaign.com.
