Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA Celebrates 100 Years With Week of Community Events

Oct. 20 events include community breakfast, chamber ribbon cutting and family fun night

The Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a free open house week Oct. 19-23 and a day of community events Tuesday, Oct. 20, including a ribbon cutting with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. 

Since its founding in 1926, the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA has grown and evolved alongside the community. From its first building in Benton Harbor to its current location in St. Joseph, the Y has continued to expand its programs and services to meet changing community needs. 

“For 100 years, this YMCA has been part of people’s lives in so many different ways,” said Mark Weber, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Michiana. “People have come here to learn to swim, get healthy, build friendships, and find support when they need it. This celebration is really about everyone who has helped make the Y what it is today, and we hope the whole community will come out and be part of it.” 

Throughout the week, the Y at 3665 Hollywood Road in St. Joseph will welcome the public to tour the facility and try a workout, with no membership required. 

The anniversary celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 20, will feature:

• 7-9 a.m.: Community breakfast. Registration has reached capacity and is now closed.
• 9:15 a.m.: Anniversary ribbon cutting. Hosted with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, followed by sneak peek tours of the Y’s locker room renovations. 
• 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: “Shake It for 100!” Zumba class. 
• 5-7 p.m.: Family Fun Night. Enjoy free hot dogs and popcorn. The evening also features the Pumpkin Plunge, a fall swimming activity for children 14 and younger. Kids can select a pumpkin from the pool to paint and decorate. The Pumpkin Plunge costs $5 for members and $10 for community, with advance registration required.

The community is invited to join the anniversary celebration throughout the week. For a complete schedule of activities and Pumpkin Plunge registration, visit https://ymcagm.org/events/100-year-celebration. 

About the YMCA of Greater Michiana 

YMCA of Greater Michiana is a nonprofit charitable organization 501(c)(3) that has worked collaboratively with community partners to improve the lives of children, adults, and families in southwest Michigan and northcentral Indiana for over 100 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive. For more information, visit www.ymcagm.org.