Visitors Committee doubles donation to YMCA project

McCOOK, Neb. — The Red Willow County Visitors Committee approved a $25,000 contribution Tuesday toward the YMCA of McCook’s Capital Improvement Project during a meeting focused on boosting tourism and funding local initiatives.

This marks a continuation of the committee’s support for the project, adding to a previous $25,000 pledge. Mitch Gross, CEO of the YMCA, joined the meeting via conference call to provide an update on the project’s fundraising efforts, which have now exceeded $15.6 million.

Gross expressed his gratitude for the committee’s support, stating, “Anything extra your organization is willing to support us with would be greatly appreciated. We’re not stopping until we get past our goal,” he stated.

The motion for the additional $25,000 was unanimously approved.

The meeting, chaired by Daniel Stramel, included key committee members Tyler Loop, Vice Chairman; Bill Lesko; Kerri Unger; and Andrea Harms, along with Director of Tourism Carol Schlegel.

Red Willow County primarily funds its tourism initiatives through a special lodging tax comprising a 2% Visitors Improvement Fund and a 2% Visitors Promotion Fund. These funds, managed separately, must adhere to strict state expenditure guidelines. Their main objective is to support events that attract visitors and promote regional economic growth.

The committee also discussed a sponsorship proposal for the inclusive playground project and decided on a Community Sponsorship level of $1,000.

In other business, the committee addressed a grant request from the McCook Farm and Ranch Expo, aiming to assist with venue fees. The board unanimously voted to award $2,000 to support this event.

In her director’s report, Schlegel provided updates on the Prairie Chicken Dance tours and the Travel Stories GPS project. The dance tours, which attract global birdwatching enthusiasts, have garnered interest from 70 group booking participants. Schlegel also announced that the Travel Story GPS project is expected to launch next month, promising an exciting new resource for visitors.

The Red Willow County Visitors Committee will meet again on November 5, 2024, at the Key Stone Business Center. To learn more about the grant application process and to find out if your event would qualify, call 308-345-1203 or email carol@visitmccook.com.