On the Course for a Cause: Golf by the Bay

July 28, 2020 (Egg Harbor, WI) - For the past 33 years the YMCA has been a part of the Door County community as a mission-driven organization built around values, relationships and character development. Early in 2020, over 9,000 people enjoyed membership at the Door County YMCA, a record number for our organization.

The annual Golf by the Bay event supports our Annual Campaign – a fundraising effort to ensure all can access the YMCA no matter their ability to pay. At any given time there are over 1,200 children, families, adults and seniors who very quietly receive fee assistance through these raised funds. The Y “levels the playing field” in our county and there is no distinction between those who pay and those who do not.  Thirty-three years into its history the Door County YMCA has truly become the center of the community for many area residents. This year, the Golf by the Bay outing raised nearly $30,000 to support the Annual Campaign.

It is not widely known that, even in a typical year, many of our Door County residents struggle to earn enough to support their families.  Over 50% of students qualify for free lunch in the Sturgeon Bay School District. This year, financial capacity is even more of a concern as the current health crisis has affected many parts of our community. The seasonal employment that many rely on in the summertime to support their families through the off-season has become uncertain and less profitable as fewer people are willing to travel, businesses remain closed and individuals are concerned for their loved ones’ health and safety.

This has not left our Y unaffected. We know that the need for a safe, clean place to connect and be active with friends is growing as people look to recover from the last few months. We also know that, given the current economic climate, that the need for financial support to access these opportunities will be more critical than ever before. Since the inception of the YMCA in Door County in the mid-1980s the YMCA Board and staff have been committed to providing Y programs and services to all without regard to financial ability. 

With that, thank you to all of our sponsors and golfers who came out to support the Door County YMCA and the many members of our community who rely on the Y for social, physical and character development programs.

Tom Beerntsen                                            Tyler Powell
President & CEO                                         Northern Door Executive Director