Better TOGETHER
YMCA of the Northern Sky | 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
393 volunteers dedicated 2,644 hours in service to our mission, fueling programs and strengthening our community at the Y.
DEAR FRIENDS,
At the YMCA, we believe in the power of coming together—to learn, to grow, and to lift each other up. In 2024, that belief took on even greater meaning as we merged the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties and the Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA to become one new organization, the YMCA of the Northern Sky. Our name reflects the vast, limitless potential of the communities we serve. Like the wide-open sky that stretches over us all, the Y is a place where everyone belongs, everyone has space to grow, and everyone is part of something bigger.
Better Together wasn’t just a theme this year—it was a promise. We opened new doors—literally—with the launch of the YMCA Learning Center at Urban Plains, expanding access to quality child care for working families. We extended our reach by expanding our rural meal program, ensuring that more children in outlying communities have access to the nourishment they need to learn and thrive. We saw it in the thousands of families, individuals, and seniors who found strength, connection, and belonging in our programs. We saw it in every donor, volunteer, and partner who made this work possible.
But most of all, we saw it in you. The Y isn’t just a building or a program—it’s a community, boundless like the sky above us, where everyone has a place. This report captures the impact we’ve created together, and the bright future ahead.
As we look forward, we do so with gratitude and excitement. Because at the Y, we know that when we lift each other up, expand our horizons, and reach for something greater, we are always Better Together.
With appreciation,
Jeff Botnen Board Chair
Stephen Smith President & CEO
No matter our name, we remain committed to meeting our community’s biggest needs through our focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
BETTER TOGETHER: A STRONGER Y FOR ALL
In 2024, we embraced a bold new future as the YMCA of the Northern Sky, bringing together the strengths of the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties and the Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA. This isn’t just a new name—it’s a powerful step forward in serving more people, supporting more families, and creating even greater impact.
By coming together, we can do more. More child care for working parents, more programs that support health and wellness, more opportunities for kids to learn and grow. This change allows us to reach farther, serve stronger, and build a Y that is truly for everyone.
The name YMCA of the Northern Sky reflects our deep roots and bright future. Our communities may be spread across cities and towns, but we are one Y, united in our commitment to strengthening individuals, families, and the places we call home.
Because at the Y, we believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and community. Spirit, Mind, and Body—we are strengthening them all.
And we know that we are always Better Together.
YMCA of the Northern Sky | 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
OPPORTUNITIES IN 2024
Over the past year, we grew stronger as one Y, expanding our ability to serve more people in more ways. Some of our programs and services included child care, swimming lessons, summer camp, community meals for seniors, fitness classes, our expanded youth summer meal program, health and safety classes, and more. With a broader reach and deeper impact, we remain dedicated to meeting our community’s biggest needs and ensuring everyone has a place to belong.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for young children in the U.S., yet it is preventable. We provided swim lessons and water safety instruction for 2,912 kids, equipping them with the skills and confidence to be safer in and around water.
549,431 times, people walked through our doors to move, connect, and grow. Every visit was a step toward a healthier, stronger life.
We provided 3,400+ youth with the opportunity to explore nature, build confidence, and develop leadership skills at YMCA Camp Cormorant, creating lifelong memories in a supportive and enriching environment.
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeff Botnen, Board President – Coldwell Banker Element Realty
James Hand, First Vice President – Fargo Public Schools
Kirk Carow, Second Vice President – JLG Architects
Dr. Julie Blehm, Past President – Retired
Sarah Knutson, Secretary – Microsoft
Angie Baumann, Treasurer – Choice Bank
Beth Astrup – Retired
Dr. David Bjork – Lake Region Healthcare
Mary Bressler – Lake Region Healthcare
Derrick Clark – The Hartford
Dj Colter – Dj Colter Inc. – American Family Insurance
Lisa Drake – Bell Bank
Michelle Eldien – Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office
Mike Erickson – Sanford Health
Aaron Hill – Goldmark Commercial Real Estate, Inc.
Todd Kadry – Otter Tail Power Company
Siri Livdahl – Lakes Country Service Cooperative
Jane McLandress – Retired
Bill Nelson – Retired
Kendra Olson – Pemberton Law
Senator Jordan Rasmusson – Minnesota State Senate; Rasmusson Group
Senator Kristin Roers – North Dakota State Senate; Sanford Health
Jeff Thomas – Cornerstone Bank
Kimberly Vannett – Community Volunteer
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Stephen Smith President and CEO
Aaron Fabel Vice President of Membership and Programs
Karen Mathison Vice President of Financial Development
Katie McCormick Vice President of Marketing and Communication
Ely Mercil Vice President of Buildings and Grounds
Britt Selbo Vice President of Administration
Lorrie Thoemke Vice President of Learning Centers
INVESTING IN CHILD CARE, INVESTING IN COMMUNITY
At the YMCA, we know that access to quality child care is essential —for children, for families, and for the health of our entire community. That’s why, in 2024, we made a major investment in the future by opening the YMCA Learning Center at Urban Plains.
For working families, reliable child care means stability, security and opportunity. For children, it means a place to learn, grow, and build the foundation for lifelong success. The new Learning Center expands access to early learning and school-age care, giving more families a safe, enriching environment for their children. This facility was designed with kids in mind and includes thoughtful touches like no-pinch doors, car seat cubbies, benches to change boots and built-in fidgets to get out the wiggles. With
modern classrooms, indoor gyms, creative play areas, and outdoor learning spaces, this facility was designed to support development at every stage —from infants and preschoolers to elementary students in our before- and after-school programs.
This year, the Y provided care for 1,877 children at all of our Learning Centers and supported 2,415 children in supervised before- and after-school programs. Every day, these children experience the power of Youth Development as they discover new skills and grow into confident learners. They benefit from Healthy Living not just through movement and active play, but also through nutritious meals and snacks that fuel their growth. And they experience Social Responsibility as they learn values like teamwork, kindness, and respect in a caring, supportive environment.
The opening of the new Learning Center at Urban Plains was a milestone, but its real impact is felt every single day. It’s seen in the joy of a toddler learning new words, the confidence of a preschooler making friends, and the relief of a parent knowing their child is safe and supported.
At the Y, we don’t just provide child care—we strengthen families and build community. And with this investment, we’re ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
89% of children in our early child care programs reached age-appropriate developmental milestones proving that when children have access to quality care, they thrive.
Learning Center buses traveled 164,000 miles getting children to field trips, swim lessons, camp, the park and other places of fun and learning!
We secured over $650,000 in donations and grants, providing financial assistance to nearly 40% of the newborn-to-5th-grade children in our care—ensuring parents can work, support their families, and strengthen our local economy.
2024 FINANCIALS – INCOME SOURCES & EXPENDITURES
REVENUE
When school’s out, more than 5,000 kids turn to the Y for before- and after-school programs and camps that provide a safe, nurturing environment where they can have fun, make friends, and discover their potential. In these inclusive, active spaces, kids build skills, stay engaged, and grow with the support of positive role models.
CHILD CARE FEES 18% MEMBERSHIP REVENUE 14% GIFTS FROM INDIVIDUALS, CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS & GRANTS 9% PROGRAM REVENUE
2024 BY THE NUMBERS
4,200+ children received quality care through YMCA child care programs.
31,000+ members found connection, wellness, and community at the Y.
$1.7 million in direct financial assistance provided to those in need to ensure access for all.
850+ staff members (full-time & part-time) employed, strengthening our communities.
Thank you to our 2024 Sir George Williams Society Donors. Your contribution connects you to the legacy of Sir George Williams, the founder of the YMCA movement. We are deeply grateful for every donor who supported our work, at every level. In 2024, 506 donors made gifts under $499, collectively giving $42,596.22 to strengthen our community.
INSPIRING A SPIRIT OF GIVING
Sir George Williams Society
$10,000 and above
Olaf Anderson & Son Construction
Corwin Automotive
Drew Corwin
Tanner Corwin
Tim Corwin
Dan Wilson
Fergus Falls YMCA Foundation
Yvonne Hanley
United Way of Cass-Clay
YMCA of Cass & Clay Counties
Endowment Fund
YMCA of the USA
Chairs’ Roundtable
$5,000 and above
Alex Stern Family Foundation
Beth & Mike Astrup
Dr. Julie Blehm
Steffen & Jan Christensen
Dakota Medical Foundation
Thomas & Georgia Dawson
Dell Charitable Trust
William Fercho +
Curtis Gudmundson
Patrick Hanley
Linda Kava +
Kiwanis Club of Fargo
BJ & Sarah Knutson
Lundeen Foundation
Jane McLandress & Steven Eriksson
Offutt Family Foundation
Ben & Peggy Underwood
Richard & Jo Ellen Solberg
United Way of Otter Tail & Wadena Counties
Richard & Jane* Walstad
$2,500 and above
Jeff & Kathy Botnen
Bremer Bank +
Joyce Bjorklund
Construction Engineers
DMF Paul Finstad Legacy Endowment Fund
First Lutheran Foundation of Detroit
Lakes +
Forum Communications Company
Lanny & Jackie Hendrickson
Charles MacFarlane
McGough Construction
David Nelson & Sue Schatz
Nokomis Endowment Fund
RD Offutt Company
Ken & LuAnn Regan
Bev Richter
Bill & Carole Schalow
William Schlossman
Allan Severson
Sam & Laneil Skaff
Stephen & Marianne Smith
Jeff Thomas & Susan Solheim
Richard & Mary Warner
West Fargo VFW/Arthur W. Jones
Post No. 7564
$1,000 and above
Jane Amdal
American Federal Bank
Roy & Ellen Anderson
Dan & Shelly Armbrust
Brian Becker
Jonah Bergstrand +
Big Cormorant Lake Association
Barbara Bigwood
Robert & Gretchen Bigwood +
Phyllis Binner +
Joe & Amber Branca
Mary & Glenn Bressler
Larry Carlson
Eunice & David Christenson
Curtis Christopherson
Stephanie Dean
DJ Colter Agency Inc. American
Family Insurance
Lisa Drake
Jeffrey Duerr
Terry & Michelle Eldien
Roger & Suzanne Erstad +
Tom & Carolyn Espel
Richard & Deb Felstul +
Fergus Falls Noon Rotary
Valerie Fiske +
FM Area Foundation
FM Bank
Fredrikson & Byron Foundation +
Bruce Furness
Walter & Verna Gehrts Fund
Green Plains Energy of Otter Tail County
Paul Greving
John & Judy Gunkelman
Harley Haug +
Brian Hayer
Richard Hebert +
Jerry & Donna Hendel
Jack Hendrickson
High Point Networks, LLC
Michael Howell
Sandy & Al Knoll
Raymond Kotchian
Doug Kjellerup
Lake Area Docks & Lifts, Inc
Lake Region Healthcare
Lifesmiles Dental LLC
George & Evonne Lund
Mary Lundeen
Elizabeth & John Lyngstad
Robert Lyngstad
John & Eunice* MacFarlane
Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC
Chris & Diane Marvel
Karen Mathison +
Katie & Jordan McCormick +
Ely & Lisa Mercil +
Mid America Steel +
Bruce & Sherri Money
Moving Forward Advisory Council, Inc +
Raymond Myers
Bruce Nilson & Gloria Sheils-Nilson
Off The Wall Advertising +
Kendra Olson
Mary Anne Phelps +
Richard Pickett
Jonathan Pontius
Ann Porter*
Richard Portmann
Robert Gibb & Sons
Gloria Ronning
Robert & Susanne Ronning
Stephen & Lucia Schroeder
Britt Selbo
ShoreMaster
Patricia Skognes
Chad & Jennifer Stark
Austin Svenningsen +
Scott Swanholm
Leland Swanson
The Nines
Lorrie & Jerry Thoemke
Thrifty White Pharmacy
Rebecca Ulven
Michael & Kimberly Vannett
Vector Windows
Peter Wasberg + West Central Initiative
Mary & Robert Worner + Y’s Folks Club
Leadership Circle
$500 and above
Elizabeth Alberty
Jolene Beckman Sternhagen
Jack Berg
Greg & Nancy Bjerke
Border Bank
Brandt Family
Rick & Janette Buresh
Tracy & Thomas Clow
Walmart #2957, Detroit Lakes
Walmart #1627, Dilworth
Larry Dorn
First International Bank & Trust
First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
FM Muskies
Renee Freeman
Pete Fullerton
Terry Harrington
InVision Eye Care
Jackson Accounting
Mark & Rhonda Johnson
Neil Jordheim
Nicholas Killoran
Dale Larson
Leighton Broadcasting
Dorwin & Carol Marquardt
Rock & Brenda Messerschmidt
Matthew Mohr
Laura Morris
Brent Nerland
Richard* & Rona Nitz
James Noren
Nova Fire Protection
Jack Pearson
Ronald & Lynette Pederson
Peterson Mechanical, Inc.
Gregory Post
Myron & Laura Rader
Kenneth & Marcia Retzer
Stephen & Sandy Rufer
Lance & Judy Sateren
Scheels
Steve & Shelley Schoeneck
Greg & Pam Selbo
Service Food Market
Stephen Spellman
Steve Swiontek
Park Region Telephone
The Barry Foundation
The Federated Church, Fergus Falls
Thomas Family Charitable Fund
West Acres Development, LLP
Andy & Erin Westby
Mark & Sue Winkelman
Xcel Energy
Tania & Don Zerr
FOREVER TEACHING
We provide structured learning experiences for 2,415 students through before- and after-school care, engaging them in reading, storytelling, and hands-on educational activities that foster a lifelong love of learning.
The Heritage Club is a special group of YMCA donors, listed below, who are making a lasting investment in our entire organization through their financial commitment to the YMCA Endowment Fund or by including the YMCA of the Northern Sky in their planning. Their generosity ensures our Y will serve the community for generations to come.
HERITAGE CLUB MEMBERS
Last updated February 2025
Charles* & Roberta Carney
Dr. Steffen P. Christensen
Mr.* & Mrs.* S.P. Christensen, Sr.
Dr. Paul & Connie Abrahamson
Robert J.* & Doris E.* Alin
Elizabeth Almlie*
Roger* & Betty Anda
Marlene H. Anderson*
Bob* & Phyllis Anderson
William & Tamala Anderson
Todd & Carol Anhorn
Anonymous
Dan & Shelly Armbrust
Mary Ann Armbrust
George* & Janet Arnold
Peggy Atherton
Charles* & Helen Bailly
David & Janet Bailly
Dr. Richard & Margaret Bailly
Robert & Georgia Bakkum
Michael W. Barner*
Mark Bartle
Jay & Naomi Bartley
John & Janet Bartley
Stewart* & Mary Jane* Bass
Barb Belcher
Dale* & Diane* Beling
George* & Rachel* Benson
Arvid & Mary Ann Berg
Mr.* & Mrs. Paul Berglund
Rachel & Brady Bergquist
Mark & Barbara Bibelheimer
Barbara Bigwood
Terry* & Donna Bladholm
Dr. Julie Blehm
Jeff & Kathy Botnen
Tim* & Kathy Bourdon
Kelley & Pat Boyum
Neal Bradburn
Bill* & Dina Brady
Lanny* & Lois Brantner
Duane & Sandra Brasch
John & Joanne Bridgeford
Robert* & Cassie Brostrom
Julien M. Burkness*
Craig & Deb Campbell
Jeremy & Billie Carlson
David Cole
Prentiss* & Joyce* Cole
Steve* & Shelly Connelly
William & Joyce Cowman
Eugene R.* & Lila E.* Dahl
Ken & Margaret Dahl
James Dawson*
Robert* & Edith* Dawson
Stephen & Vicki Dawson
Thomas C. & Georgia R. Dawson
Kirk* & Stephanie Dean
Warren* & Irene* Diederich
John* & Kathyrn Dixon III
Marlene Eash*
Michael* & Lois* Dobervich
Jack* & Wanda Duis
Brian Ehlke
Arnold L. Ellingson
Keith A. Ellingson
Robert Engen
Adeline J. Erickson*
Armond* & Nancy* Erickson
John & Kim Erickson
John Ermer*
FM Crusaders Motorcycle Club
Mr.* & Mrs. Pierce Fairchild
J.D. Farnum*
Mercille Fellbaum*
Dr. Cal & Doris* Fercho
William Fercho
Charles* & Carol Feste
Paul & Debbie Finstad
Philip & Donna Fitzgerald
Darlene Schmidt Fortune
Mr.* & Mrs.* Edwin Foss
Mark B. Foss*
Mr.* & Mrs.* M.O. (Mac) Foss Jr.
Russell & Susan Freeman
Gerald & Nan Frick*, In memory of Lawrence Fritz*
Pete & Pat Fullerton
Lorraine & Bruce W. Furness
Loehle Gast
Trenton & Sarah Gerads
Gregory D. & Dianne Gibb
Mr.* & Mrs. Donald Gibb
Mr.* & Mrs. Robert Gibb Sr.
Henry Gilbertson*
David & Jane* Gordon
Paul Granum
Paul & Harriet* Greving
Jeff & Cindy Grewe
Charlie & Helen Grommesh
Jane Grove
Warren* & Sheila Gullickson
J. Paul* & Inez Gunkelman
R.F. (Tod)* & Dolores* Gunkelman
R. Frank & Patricia Gunkelman
John & Judy Gunkelman Jr.
Dale* & Grace* Haakenstad
Tom Hall
Bruce & Gloria Halland
Harold & Pat Halvorson
Cher & Terry Hambrecht
Don Hamilton*
Yvonne Hanley
Ted* & Dee* Hanson
Donald & Glenda Haugen
Brian Hayer
Harold L.* & June Hayer
Charles* & Helen* Hedelund
Mel Heim*
David J. Heimdahl*
Grant* & Phyllis* Herreid
Donald C. Holand*
Estate of John E. Holing
Dennis* & Val* Holmgren
James* & Carol Horvath
Dr. L. Michael & Michela Howell
Dr. William & Carolyn Hunter
Bernice W. Ihlenfeld*
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Jacobson
Thomas Jefferson
Douglas Johnson
Wayne* & Erna Johnson
Ralph & Darlene J. Jose
Gordon* & Bea* Kartenson
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Kleist
Al & Sandy Knoll
B.J. & Sarah Knutson
Jeff & Ruby Kolpack
Arnold Kuhn & Susan Rust Kuhn
Dr.* & Mrs.* Donald Lamb Sr.
R. Douglas & Sally Larsen
Dale R.* & Marilyn D.* Larson
Nancy Lawson*, In memory of
Earl* & Jean* Lee
Karyl & Terry Lejcher
Arnold Levsen
Jean* & Oscar* Lindgren
C. Warner* & Betty* Litten
Dr. Apolinario Luistro*
George & Evonne Lund
Mr.* & Mrs. James G. Lund
Victor & Ann Lundeen
The Lundeen Foundation
Raymond* & Charlotte* Maas
John & Eunice* MacFarlane
Mr.* & Mrs. Dale MacKenzie
Philip C.* & Norma* Mann
Jack G. Marcil
William C. & Jane Marcil
David & Mary Maring
Dorwin & Carol Marquardt
Lee & Linda Massey
Karen Mathison
Butch & Ann McConn
Dr. & Mrs. James McCulley
L. Patrick* & Sonia McManus
Philip & Jennifer McShane
Dr. Glenn* & Phyllis* Melvey
Rock & Brenda Messerschmidt
Bruce & Sherri Money
Mr.* & Mrs. Charles Moses
Herman* & Agnes* Natwick
David Nelson & Sue Schatz
Donovon* & Mary* Nelson
Eric & Jean Nelson, in memory of Ollie* & Ann* Nelson
Greg Nelson
Harlan & Ruth Nelson
Mr. & Mrs. Roger D. Nelson
Ollie* & Ann* Nelson, in memory of Karl Edwin Nelson*
Harold & Melba Neuman*, in memory of
Sylvia Newton Estate
Brent & Laura Nichols
Kathy & Michael Nordness
Billy & Marcia Nustad
David & Trudy Nycklemoe
Robert Odney
Mr.* & Mrs.* Lewis H. Oehlert
Denis J.* & Linda* Olson
Steven B.* & Carol A. Olson
Howard* & Stella* Osborn
Aliyah Ott
John Q.* & Margo* Paulsen
Gary & Jennifer Paulsrud
Ron & Lynette Pederson
Wayne Perlenfein*
Judy & Darold Peterson
Richard Pickett, Ltd.
David & Vickie Piepkorn
H. Donald* & Clara* Piepkorn
William & Donna Piper
Sonja Poer
Ann Porter*
Gene* & Dorothy* Porter
Richard & Virginia Portmann
Joseph Powers
Bradley & Beverly Pratt
Gregory Pratt
William R.* & Phyllis C. Pratt
Bill* & Jean Prentice
Ken & Jan Promersberger
Donna K. Reed
Merril Reinhiller*
Noell Reinhiller
Mr. & Mrs. Clifton Rodenburg
Eric & Sara Rogne
Dave & Beth Rogness
Wayne* & Gloria Ronning
Mr.* & Mrs. J. David Rostad
Glen P. Running
John & Cydney Runsvold
Paul & Cindee Sather
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schaefer
Dennis Schatz
Mr. & Mrs. Al Schardin
Bradley & Carol Schlossman
Jeffrey Schlossman
William A. Schlossman
Wilbur Schumacher
David Schwab
Security State Bank
Gregory B. & Pam K. Selbo
Lyle* & Jean* Selbo
Margaret H. Selland*
Mr.* & Mrs.* Chester Serkland
Al & Mary Severson
Michael & Kris* Sheridan
Dr. E. Kent Shirley
John & Annette Shotwell Jr.
Ed* & Susan* Simonson
Mr.* & Mrs.* A.K. Simpson
Richard* & Carol Sisler
Sam, Jr. & Laneil Skaff
Sam Skaff*
Gale & Barb Skjoiten
Robert & Sharon Smith
Stephen & Marianne Smith
Richard & Jo Ellen Solberg
Gregg Sorenson
Gary* & Sharon* Spies
Earl* & Kathyrn Stein
Richard Stern & Nancy Torson
Ed Stern*
Reed & Vicki Stigen
Jacque & Louise Stockman
John F. & Mary Jo W. Stockman
A.K.* & Bertha* Stromme
Carolyn Sund
Robert C.* & Betty Tallman
Lorrie & Jerry Thoemke
Michael & Molly Thomas
Dr. David & Sharon Tranby
Del Tysdal*
Bob Underwood
Franklin J. VanOsdel
Tim* & Gerry VavRosky
Dick & Jane Walstad
Dr. Richard & Mary Warner
Bob & Susan Wefald
Robert & Gail Welle
Paul Werner
Herbert* & Ione* Werner
West Central Initiative
Ruby Whipple
John Whittlesey*
Glenn & Nadine* Williams
John B. & Murial H. Wimbush
David & Beverly Wirth
Tom Wold
Tania Zerr
Y’s Folks Club *In Memoriam
YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties Endowment Fund and the Fergus Falls YMCA Foundation are both represented on these pages.
THE Y FEEDS KIDS
The Y served over 222,000 snacks and 201,000 meals to youth in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Recognizing the increasing need in rural communities, we expanded our meal program, delivering 20,837 additional meals to children in Perley, Borup, Cormorant, Minto, Mayville, Hendrum, and Fergus Falls, ensuring more kids have access to nutritious food.
FIND YOUR REASON TO GIVE
The thoughtful investments of our donors are what have made the work of the Y this past year possible, and the generosity of our partners is what will guide us forward.
For more information on how to become a part of this distinguished group of donors, please contact Karen Mathison at 701.364.4115 or mathison@ymcanorthernsky.org.
BY MAIL
400 1st Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103
ONLINE ymcanorthernsky.org/give
VOLUNTEERING
By volunteering whatever your talents and interests, we have a way to put them to use for the betterment of our community. give@ymcanorthernsky.org
We do our best to ensure that the donor list is accurate; we apologize for any errors or omissions. We are truly grateful for your support, and if you are not presented correctly, please let us know so that we may accurately acknowledge your gift in the future at give@ymcanorthernsky.org.
1,808 participated in Youth Sports learning teamwork, skills and good sportsmanship
YMCA of the Northern Sky
400 1st Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103