The Don Sjogren Community YMCA has a shiny new gym floor thanks to the generous donation of a local business.
Kim and Phil Hinrichs, owners of the local Farm Bureau Financial Services, said they were happy to help with the gym floor project because the YMCA is a valuable asset to the community.
“The YMCA is a vital charitable organization for us because it serves as the hub of our community,” Phil said. “We are blessed to have a Y in our town, and we feel fortunate to support it. The Y provides a place for both young and old to gather, fostering fellowship, promoting economic development, and encouraging fitness and health. The YMCA encompasses all the essential elements that contribute to a thriving community.”
The Hinrichses have been long-time supporters of the YMCA. They joined the YMCA when they first moved to town in 2004 and got involved with the community gifts phase of the campaign to build a new YMCA. Kim later worked at the YMCA as a development director, and in her work today, she continues to assist YMCAs across the country with fundraising campaigns.
Their two sons, Creighton and Jackson, grew up at the YMCA and spent countless hours in the YMCA gym practicing basketball and spending time with friends and family.
A few years ago, Farm Bureau donated a basketball shooting machine to the YMCA, reinforcing their commitment to the gym and keeping kids active.
“We believe that youth sports are crucial for keeping kids active and healthy,” Kim said. The shooting machine helps keep kids engaged and moving, and we are strong advocates for maintaining an active lifestyle for children.”
When YMCA Executive Branch Director Brett Bebensee stated a need to refinish the gym floor and the expense involved, the Hinrichses stepped up.
“This donation is an excellent opportunity for the Y to continue providing essential services to the community, and we are glad to be part of this project,” Kim said. “The Y is an important part of our town. If we didn’t have the Y, where would all these kids be?”
The gym floor refinishing project was completed in late June. It involved sanding down the entire floor and applying multiple coats of finish to enhance the floor’s resilience against the heavy foot traffic and sports activities at the Y.
Bebensee expressed his gratitude to Farm Bureau for funding the project.
“I am extremely grateful for this incredible donation from Farm Bureau to help ensure that the YMCA gymnasium is in top-tier condition for all our members and community,” Bebensee said. “Not only are the Hinrichs helping support the gym floor, but they also sponsor the youth basketball program at the YMCA. From the gym floor to youth basketball, the Hinrichs have been a cornerstone for our basketball programs at the YMCA.”