Lawrence Companies in Botetourt County has given a $50,000 donation to the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The gift will go toward the construction of the new Botetourt County YMCA.

The YMCA is a powerful organization of men, women, and children. It has been in the Roanoke Valley for more than 130 years. The Botetourt County YMCA location is scheduled to open in late 2018. It will have over 45,000 square feet of premium health and wellness space. There will be an eight-lane lap pool, a recreation and exercise pool, state-of-the-art networked fitness equipment, three group exercise studios, and a basketball gymnasium.

“The Lawrence Companies’ gift is the second largest, to date,” said Mark Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. “This generous donation gave us the green light to move forward with construction.”

Lawrence Companies was founded in Botetourt County in 1932. It has a deep-seeded commitment to the community. The company is 100 percent employee-owned, and most of its employees live in the Botetourt County area. The company has held a strong presence in the community through volunteer work, sponsorships, donations, and community engagement for decades.

“This community has supported Lawrence Companies for over 85 years. It only makes sense for us to donate to the project. We are proud to do so,” says Peer Segelke, Chief Executive Officer of Lawrence Companies. “We are committed to the continued health of our employees, the community, and the local economy.”

Johnson estimates that the Botetourt YMCA will attract 400-500 people per day. As a destination, the YMCA will encourage economic growth while improving the quality of life in Botetourt County.

As Johnson stated, “Every community needs a center, a place that brings people from all walks of life together. Across the country, the “Y” is that place. We build community by creating an inviting, positive environment that becomes a catalyst for positive change.”