Montclair, NJ (August 21, 2019) The YMCA of Montclair announced today that it has received a Major Grant in the amount of $10,000 from The Provident Bank Foundation to support their initiative to build a new inclusive playground at the Geyer Family YMCA. This playground will benefit children who attend programs and camp at the Y and children who live in the area, as there is no public playground nearby.
The YMCA of Montclair was selected to receive the grant based on its potential impact on Community Enrichment. The program, through a design and development collaboration with Montclair State University, will create a fully accessible rainbow-themed playground. It will include a Play Tower with an ADA staircase, slide, a greenhouse and florist play space, sand and water play, a tiered mountain riding road, an urban garden and more.
The goal for the new playground is to enhance collaboration, inclusion, physical development and challenges to provide a safe, fun environment for all children, regardless of their abilities.
“We would like to extend our deepest thanks to The Provident Bank Foundation,” said Buddy Evans, President & CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “Having a place where children of diverse abilities can engage in free play and healthy physical activity fills a real community need.”
The YMCA of Montclair received the check during a presentation on August 15 at the Geyer Family YMCA. Jane Kurek, Executive Director of The Provident Bank Foundation, along with Dan Johnson, Relationship Manager of Provident Bank, presented The Provident Bank Foundation’s $10,000 Major Grant to Buddy Evans, President/CEO of the YMCA of Montclair, and Marcia Fusilli, Senior Director of Development of the YMCA of Montclair.
“The Provident Bank Foundation is honored to help further initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of residents in our local area,” said Jane Kurek, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation. “We are pleased to support organizations that contribute to a sense of community and offer a diverse set of programs that make people healthier, happier and safer.”
The goal of the Major Grant is to support organizations that have identified an immediate need in the community and for the individuals they serve. The Provident Bank Foundation’s funding directly supports efforts to enhance the quality of life in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania communities served by Provident Bank through three Funding Priority Areas: Community Enrichment, Education, and Health, Youth & Families.
The YMCA of Montclair is fundraising to reach their goal of $150,000 to build the playground. Those interested in being a part of this effort can donate directly to the playground fund here: https://www.montclairymca.org/giving/appeal/.
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About The Provident Bank Foundation
The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 by Provident Bank to enhance the quality of life in the region through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $25 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities. For more information, visit www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.