Orrville YMCA fundraiser welcomes Bob Knight
Orrville native and icon, coach Bob Knight, will kick off the Orrville YMCA's Natatorium Project Capital Campaign.
The Orrville YMCA will kick off its Natatorium Project Capital Campaign the weekend of Feb. 2, featuring Orrville native and icon, coach Bob Knight.
“We’re thrilled to have coach Knight lend his enthusiastic support to our effort,” Orrville YMCA executive director Dean Gogolewski said. “He is really excited about this project and wants to talk to absolutely everyone who is involved at any level.”
The weekend will kick off Friday, Feb. 2 and is billed as A Night with Knight. Knight will mingle at the YMCA with patrons who purchase tickets at a cost of $200 a person from 5-7:30 p.m.
The ticket for the event at the YMCA includes a meal, entry for a raffle for an autographed basketball in a glass case, a picture with Knight that can be autographed that night, and a front-row ticket to the speaking event on Saturday at Orrville High School.
Saturday’s speaking event will feature Knight and take place from 2-5 p.m. at Orrville High School's auditorium.
Prior to the speaker, basket auction items are available for bid and include autographed basketballs and other memorabilia. A question table will allow guests to submit questions to Knight. Fifty-fifty raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5.
Knight’s program starts at 2:45 p.m. and includes his address, a Q-and-A session, and the auction and 50/50 drawings by the coach.
A picture and autograph session will allow guests an opportunity for selfies with the coach at 4:30 p.m., or he will autograph an item you bring with you.
Gogolewski said, “Our goal can be summed up by saying we want to ensure Orrville has a swimming pool to serve our community.”
According to Gogolewski, the pool is 22 years old and still operating on its original equipment. The renovation will help replace broken-down equipment, replace damaged doors and windows, and upgrade to more efficient lighting and equipment.
“This is all to ensure the pool at the YMCA is around for future generations of children, adults, families and seniors in our community.”
A few years ago the dehumidification unit broke down and is beyond repair. Humidity has built in the pool area, which has started to affect the structural and mechanical elements of the pool area. Unsightly stains and rust issues have resulted.
High humidity affects the people using the natatorium, which includes swim teams, spectators, lifeguards and recreational swimmers.
“Our largest population of users are our seniors who need the pool for exercise,” Gogolewski said.
The pool has a large impact on the greater community, from youth learning how to swim, to families bonding while playing in the water, to adults and seniors improving their health by exercising or swimming laps.
The Orrville City Schools partners with the YMCA to provide swimming lessons to fourth-graders as well as the high school swim team, which practices and hosts meets at the YMCA every November through February.
Onsite Therapy Solutions has relocated its office to the YMCA, where is has become the first physical therapy clinic in Orrville to offer aquatic therapy.
YMCA member Gene Meyers said he is very thankful to have the pool at the Orrville YMCA.
“I enjoy the swimming. Plus it is great exercise. When I was diagnosed with type II diabetes, I learned that exercise, low stress, keeping track of carbs, testing and insulin are the main vehicles to help keep my glucose under control. Swimming helps relieve stress and provides the necessary exercise.”