By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington-Normal YMCA and Easterseals of Central Illinois announced on Tuesday a big step toward their goal of raising $16 million to build a new community center on Bloomington’s east side.

YMCA Chief Executive Officer B.J. Wilken said a family, which wishes to remain anonymous, has come forward with a $4 million challenge gift, which has to be matched with the same amount in local fundraising by the end of the year.

Wilken said YMCA and Easterseals have raised $2.2 million dollars towards reaching the near-term goal, meaning the organizations have to raise another $1.8 million to receive the family’s maximum donation.

“This has really been many, many years of cultivation and speaking with this family,” said Wilken.

“Gifts like this rarely fall out of the sky, so we’re just very, very grateful, and pleased, and happy, and thrilled by this gesture,” Wilken said.

Wilken said the project probably wouldn’t be possible without this gift, which is the largest in the local YMCA’s history.

The community center would be located on East Washington Street, on the OSF St. Joseph Medical Center campus.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]