The first YMCA was started in Boston in 1851.

YMCAs are operated in 120 countries worldwide serving over 30 million men, women and children.

YMCAs are run by policy makers serving on Y boards and committees.

Each YMCA is its own charitable not-for-profit qualifying under Section 501c3 of the U.S. tax code.

YMCA “gifts” include: basketball, volleyball, softball and racquetball.

The YMCA pioneered: organized camping programs, physical fitness and swim lessons.

The YMCA helped found: USO, Boy Scouts of America and Camp Fire Girls.

In the winter of 2003, the Bill Janss Community Center became a YMCA to serve the Wood River area.

In the fall of 2004, the first local YMCA program will begin YMCA-on-Wheels.

According to a survey conducted by Blaine County Recreation District in 2001, 27% of respondents are willing to travel up to 10 miles to recreational facilities and 64% of the respondents said that recreational opportunities attracted them to the Wood River Valley.

Over 10,000 people reside in Hailey, Sun Valley and Ketchum.

Sun Valley draws approximately 90,000 people in the winter and 131,000 in the summer to the area, many of whom would be interested in additional recreational activities other than skiing. A YMCA could make their stay more enjoyable.

The recent Blaine County Assets Survey revealed that children do not feel valued, children need mentors, children want to feel accepted and need a place where they are welcomed.