YMCA opening doors for community open house

Come see what the Y is all about.

Next Saturday, April 30, Litehouse YMCA is opening its doors to the entire community — free of charge.

"[It's] a day for the community to come see what the Y is all about, get a tour, and have the chance to swim, take a class or workout for free," Heidi Bohall, branch executive of the Litehouse YMCA, said.

In addition to the chance to learn about what the Y has to offer, the open house gives the Y staff a chance to celebrate the end of its spring fundraiser with a duck float for youngsters and face painting for all. There will be light food, coffee and fun activities to try.

The event will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. In order to participate in activities, people will need to bring photo identification.

The open house is the 10th anniversary of Fit For a Purpose, Dig Chrismer, YMCA board member, said.

"We couldn’t be more excited to be back live and in-person," Chrismer said.

The event also is a chance to raise funds to support the YMCA and its mission programs. Funds raised will go toward events such as safety around water training, cancer survivor support, Camp Reed scholarships and Membership For All scholarships. In addition, the funds will go toward lifeguard training and to subsidize memberships for seniors.

"Fit For a Purpose is also more than just fundraising – it’s an opportunity to stop by the YMCA, meet the team, and get to know the place a little bit better," Chrismer said. "Come join us on April 30 and get to know your new friends and learn all about what the Y offers our community."

Doors will open at 8 a.m. with group exercise sampler classes of 30 minutes each taking place from 8 a.m. to noon. A swim-a-thon will be held from 8 a.m. to noon as well.

A racquetball tournament will be held from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The first of two basketball shootouts will be held at 10 a.m. with the second starting at 11:30 a.m. The "Lucky Duck" duck float will be held from noon-1 p.m.

Times are subject to change.

For more information, call the Litehouse YMCA at 208-263-6633.