St. Paul, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, on Sept. 8 will announce a new name for the historic St. Paul Midway YMCA in recognition of the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation’s transformative support for many years, and celebrate the commencement of construction for the Peter J. King Family Foundation Center for Child and Family Wellbeing.
“The renaming of the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Midway YMCA acknowledges the foundation’s vital, longstanding support for our Y and our community. We’re honored and grateful to continue this significant partnership promoting the wellbeing of spirit, mind and body for all,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Our commitment to whole-person wellbeing is further strengthened as we begin construction on the Peter J. King Family Foundation Center for Child and Family Wellbeing. The foundation’s meaningful support allows us to take a holistic approach that will empower families for a brighter future.”
“Dick Schulze has always believed in the important ways the YMCA connects with and serves working class families in this country,” said Mark Dienhart, president and CEO of the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. “He’s pleased and proud to be able to assist that mission in the East Metro area of the Twin Cities where he grew up and started his business career that led to what we now know as Best Buy.”
“We often describe our mission as changing the trajectory of children’s lives. YMCA of the North’s Peter J. King Family Foundation Center for Child and Family Wellbeing does exactly this by bringing the very best curriculum, resources and staff to serve kids and families in the Midway area and beyond,” said Russell S. King, chairman and president of the Peter J. King Family Foundation. “But it goes well beyond this to include innovative parental programming and exciting educational opportunities for health care professionals that make this a truly transformational asset for the entire community. We have worked with YMCA for over 20 years, and we are honored to partner with them on this important initiative.”
The St. Paul Midway YMCA was built in 1907, originally providing housing and a place of worship for railroad workers. Since then, the Midway YMCA has evolved to meet the needs of the families and neighbors it serves, which includes support and care for individuals from infants to grandparents. With its new name, the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Midway YMCA will continue serving as a pivotal community resource into the future.
The Peter J. King Family Foundation Center for Child and Family Wellbeing will be located at 530 North Wheeler Street, directly across from the Midway YMCA. The vibrant, 27,000-square foot building will be a multi-generational hub that focuses on supporting children, families, caregivers and aspiring child care professionals.
WHO: YMCA of the North, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and Peter J. King Family Foundation
WHAT: Celebration announcing renaming to the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Midway YMCA and commencement of construction for the Peter J. King Family Foundation Center for Child and Family Wellbeing
WHERE: Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Midway YMCA — Dickerman Park, 1761 University Ave. W., St. Paul, MN 55104
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 8
- 10:30 a.m.: Welcome from Michelle Edgerton, YMCA of the North CAO
- 10:40 a.m.: Remarks from Glen Gunderson, YMCA of the North CEO
- 10:50 a.m.: Donor remarks from Dick Schulze
- 10:55 a.m.: Expansion announcement
- 11:05 a.m.: Time capsule ceremony with donor Russell King
- 11:15 a.m.: Remarks from St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter
- 11:40 a.m.: Branch tours and construction site photo
- 12:00 p.m.: Participants available for interviews
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 169 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.