The Atmore Area YMCA has secured enough immediate funding to keep its doors open until the end of the 2014 calendar year.

Paul Chason, CEO of the YMCA, said that Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union has committed to a $10,000 donation, and has also agreed to pledge $6,000 a year for three years. In addition, the credit union will assist the YMCA by creating a website, Chason said.

This large donation is in addition to $5,000 that has been donated by both the Lions Club and the Rotary Club. Also, Alto Products has pledged $6,000 a year for three to five years, if other area businesses also help contribute to a total of at least $60,000 per year.

The immediate funding will help the YMCA meet its financial needs until Dec. 31, 2014. During that timeframe, the YMCA’s board of directors and other representatives will seek out additional funding commitments to allow the organization to remain open in the long term.

At current membership levels, the organization faces a $4,560 deficit each month, and must make up that shortfall with donations from businesses and individuals.

The YMCA had previously announced that it would have to close its doors by Friday, Aug. 29, if it could not immediately raise enough cash to cover its operating losses.

Allen Walston, treasurer of the Atmore Area YMCA’s board of directors, said the YMCA had to raise $20,000 in order to keep its doors open until Dec. 31, and it has already accomplished that goal. In addition, progress has also been made in securing pledges on the remaining $55,000 needed to cover the expected shortfall over the next 12 months.

Walston said Tuesday that approximately $42,000 of that needed $55,000 has already been pledged by businesses and individuals.

“The momentum is definitely there for this to continue,” he said.

Chason agreed with Walston’s assessment that the YMCA had to continue to be proactive in seeking out donations and pledges from the community.

“What we have accomplished so far is not the end result,” he said. “We have to continue to be proactive because we do not want to be in this situation again at this time next year.”

Chason especially expressed thanks to Gulf Winds for their considerable contribution to the effort.

“Gulf Winds sees the impact that the YMCA makes on our community,” he said. “They really want to support our mission here in Atmore and the surrounding area and we appreciate their generosity so much.”

Chason also said that the YMCA would continue to look at other ways to improve its bottom line, such as by holding a membership drive and trying to cut costs where-ever it can.

“We are going to continue to look at ways to save money any way that we can,” he said. “We are also going to continue looking at other short-term and long-term funding sources. We have already received countless business pledges and personal pledges and we are very thrilled by that.

“Our community has really stepped up to support this YMCA.”

Those who wish to donate to the YMCA can bring contributions directly to the office at 501 S. Pensacola Ave. For more information, call the YMCA at (251) 368-9622.