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Wednesday morning Arnie and Jo Ann Johnson were surrounded by children running and playing in the newly remodeled Brainerd Family YMCA Gymnasium they helped finance. Their gift of $100,000 toward the $130,000 cost of renovation included installation of a new maple wood floor, two-lane walking/running track around the perimeter, new ceiling fans, removal of the old floor, a floor scrubber and new basketball rims and padding.
Over 90 children enrolled in the YMCA programs, which include Day Camp, childcare and Kid’s Kastle, burst onto the new floor to the delight of Arnie and Jo Ann Johnson. While the Johnsons were at the opening ceremony they decide to donate $1,500 to purchase additional trikes for the childcare kids to use in the gym on the new walking/running track.
Forty years ago, the opening of the new gymnasium was celebrated with children running through banners onto the gym floor.
Additional donations are welcome to cover the remaining costs. For more information call the YMCA at 829-4767.
Comments (4)
Add commentSo who donated it????
Child Care Director at the Brainerd Lakes YMCA Christa Andersen hands Martin Hastings to Arnie Johnson during the celebration of the Anderson's donation...
Wednesday morning Arnie and Jo Ann Johnson were surrounded by children running and playing in the newly remodeled Brainerd Family YMCA Gymnasium they helped finance. Their gift of $100,000...
And who is AndersOn, not to be confused with AndersEn?
Great story!
Thanks, to all, and especially the Johnsons, for making the Y a terrific community asset!
The Johnson's are wonderful people...
...and it just goes to show you that just because you have a lot of money, it doesn't mean you're greedy. And believe me, Arnie and Jo Ann's generosity doesn't stop with the YMCA, either.
Heard that the event was a
Heard that the event was a lot of fun. The children who attended had a great time at the newly renovated gymnasium. They were all running around and playing. Good thing they were wearing comfortable shoes and sandals because if I were in their shoes, I would be super tired in just 30 minutes. Given their energy, I would be wearing my most comfortable shoes.
Thank you, Arnie and Jo Ann Johnson for the contribution. You have made a lot of children smile!