In honor of our two most recent leaders and benefactors, the Cook Family Foundation is proud to announce its participation in the $2.5 million capital campaign recently announced by the Shiawassee Family YMCA.  This community-wide effort will allow the Y to revamp their facility in downtown Owosso and add childcare services. 

Don Cook helped raise funds for the construction of the Shiawassee Family Y in downtown Owosso in the 1950s

Both Bruce and Jackie Cook passed away in the last 18 months, leaving a legacy of commitment to the youth of Shiawassee County.  Bruce Cook, like his father Don before him, was a board member and long time advocate for the Shiawassee Family Y.  Jackie Cook, in addition to serving as an elected board member of the Owosso Public Schools, helped launch the Foundation’s work in early childhood education.  

“My parents saw the Y as an important resource for children and families” said Tom Cook, Executive Director of the Cook Family Foundation, “they would be honored to see the continued growth of the Y with this project.”  Bruce Cook was involved in early planning for this expansion and was ready to pledge his own financial support.  “We can not think of a more appropriate legacy for Bruce and Jackie Cook than a strong Y in downtown Owosso serving youth from preschool through high school.” 

In addition to a lead legacy gift, the Foundation has pledged $500,000 to match gifts of $20,000 or more to the campaign.  Already several pledges have been made to the campaign and 74 percent of the needed funds have been committed to the project. 

After renovation, the Shiawassee Family YMCA facility will include four licensed childcare rooms: an infant room, a toddler room, and two preschool rooms (for 3- and 4-year-olds). In addition, all of the major components of the facility will be renovated to the standards of the Americans with Disability Act to ensure the the YMCA continues to be available for all.

Foundation Trustee Anna Owens is co-chair of the campaign, and several Cook family members and friends have also stepped up to be part of the effort.  To learn more about the Y’s rebuilding efforts, or to make a pledge or donation contact Laura Archer at 989-725-8136 or larcher@shiawasseeymca.org