Buckingham Foundation is proud to announce their $1 million gift to the Irsay Family YMCA at CityWay in order to enhance wellness, leadership development, and youth initiatives within the Indianapolis community. The $1 million gift is the largest to date for the Foundation, which turned 10-years-old this year.
As the philanthropic partner of Buckingham Companies, a full-service real estate firm specializing in development, construction, investment and property management, Buckingham Foundation invests in organizations through meaningful grants, volunteers thousands of hours to hundreds of nonprofit and civic organizations, and goes beyond typical philanthropy to open doors that create positive change.
Buckingham Companies developed and owns CityWay, the downtown Indianapolis hot spot that includes apartments, The Alexander Hotel, restaurants, offices, and the Irsay Family YMCA at CityWay.
“Buckingham Companies and Buckingham Foundation are proud to support the Y’s good work,” said Brad Chambers, president and CEO, Buckingham Companies, and chairman of the board, Buckingham Foundation. “Philanthropy is an important company value, and we recognize and support the significance of youth development and wellness.”
Part of the gift will underwrite the new LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Cancer Survivorship Program at the Irsay Family YMCA at CityWay. The program, which provides physical and social support, is open to everyone – regardless of the stage of their cancer and whether they are YMCA members – free of charge.
“We’re so appreciative of Buckingham’s innovative leadership and sustainable development of our community as well as their monetary support,” said Eric J. Ellsworth, president of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. “Partners like Buckingham are allowing us to bring life-changing buildings and programs to people who live and work in and around our community.”
The three-story Irsay Family YMCA at CityWay opened in December 2015. The grand staircase features a living green wall, which is covered in plantings that extend 30 feet high. As a result of this gift, it will be dedicated in memory of Julia H. Chambers.
