YWCA to hold candle walk today

By Staff

Published: September 28, 2008

A candle walk will be held today by members and supporters of the YWCA of Danville and Pittsylvania County to support reopening the facility.

The walk will begin in front of the YWCA building, 730 Main St., at 6:30 p.m., said Nancy Jiranek, YW board president. Walkers will head down Main Street to the new Martin Luther King Bridge and return to the YWCA.

“All citizens who have fond memories of the YW, who remember learning to swim there, or doing your exercise … and who would like to see the YW rise again are invited to bring your candles and walk with us,” she said.

Several dozen supporters attended a fundraising earlier this month where Councilwoman Ruby Archie hoped the organization can quickly get all its activities going again. Her slogan is “Make the Y Come Alive.”

Financial problems closed the YWCA in October 2006, but Jiranek is determined to raise the money needed to reopen it.

Jiranek determined that $150,000 would be needed to get the facility up and running again earlier this year. So far, she and other supporters have raised $90,000 with the goal of raising the additional $60,000 this month. Supporters have been doing work at the site in preparation that they will be successful is reopening the YW.

Jiranek said the YW is in the middle of raising money in an attempt to reopen. Membership dues are $50 a year and other contributions will be accepted tonight or can be mailed to P.O. 1066, Danville, VA 24543.

—From staff reports