The Cane Bay Family YMCA kicked off their capital campaign on May 10 and has received a generous donation from local business leader, Carolyn Hunter.

Hunter has pledged $250,000 to the new Cane Bay Family YMCA to help finish the 54,000 square-foot facility, slated to open early fall. Hunter owns C&A Unlimited Inc. a company that operates McDonald’s franchises in Ladson, Moncks Corner and Summerville. Hunter also serves on the Y’s fundraising committee.

“This generous donation is very significant,” said Paul Stoney, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charleston and the Cane Bay Family YMCA. “Ms. Hunter has been a pillar of the community and has always given back. To be one of the recipients of her generosity and also have her on the capital campaign committee has been a huge boost to our fund raising needs.”

“I always enjoy giving back to my community, “ said Hunter. “The mission of the Y and all the programming they are bringing to this area is necessary.” Hunter cites in particular statistics that one out of five people under the age of 14 die from drowning. Drowning rates are most pronounced among African Americans, with children aged 5 to 19 being 5 times more likely to drown than their white peers. “Having the opportunity to learn to swim will reduce this horrible statistic and provide our children with a lifetime of water sport enjoyment and the chance to participate in more aquatic competitive events.”

The new facility will partner with area schools and area organizations to create easily accessed swim lessons. The new facility will feature a 25-meter swimming pool, and the Y will honor Hunter by naming the second grade-swimming program after her.

“The statistics on drowning are quite daunting,” said “Stoney. “With our programs and lessons, and generous support from the community, we aim to help stop  drowning incidents in the area.”

To date, the Cane Bay Family YMCA has raised $1.75 million toward a total goal of $5 million. For more information or to donate go to www.ymcagc.org/donation/.