YMCA partnership with Larkin's Place shaped decision to donate
CHAMPAIGN – Rick and Jeanene Stephens said the partnership between Larkin's Place and the Champaign County YMCA shaped their decision to give $5 million to the YMCA building project.
"We've certainly never done anything like this before, especially not anything publicly, and we're excited about what the Y can do for the community," said Rick Stephens, founder of Champaign-based Horizon Hobby.
Stephens said he once played basketball at the Y, and when their daughters were young, they took part in a swim class there.
"We met a lot of friends there who are still our friends," he added.
When Larkin's Place entered a partnership with the Y, "it meant even more to Jeanene and me. That's primarily the reason we gave such a large gift," he said.
"Larkin's Place will provide recreational facilities for people with disabilities – and without disabilities – in a way that's never been done before," he said.
More in Wednesday's News-Gazette.
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