December 13, 2022
(Buffalo, NY) – YMCA Buffalo Niagara is pleased to announce it has received a major charitable contribution of $2.5 million from the William E. & Ann L. Swan Foundation towards the future North Buffalo YMCA branch.
Located on Elmwood Avenue, the new North Buffalo YMCA will feature a plethora of modern amenities which support the YMCA’s three core areas of impact: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. YMCA Buffalo Niagara will name the new Aquatics Center at the branch in the memory of the Swan family, ensuring their legacy lives on forever.
“Not only was Ann Swan a force behind the growth of our community, she truly lived the YMCA mission and proudly championed the YMCA’s cause for many years as a member of the YMCA Buffalo Niagara Board of Directors,” John Ehrbar, President and CEO of YMCA Buffalo Niagara, said. “Her philanthropic influence will forever be celebrated in a community she embraced. We are extremely grateful for the William E. and Ann L. Swan Foundation’s support of this important project.”
Mrs. Swan was born in Buffalo in 1946 and a standout athlete at Riverside High School. After earning her degree in physical education from the University at Buffalo, she taught physical education and health at Buffalo Public Schools. She and her late-husband, William, started their foundation and supported educational, cultural, health, and religious organizations in Western New York.
Since 2003, Mrs. Swan was an integral part of the YMCA community while serving on the Board of Directors. As a board member, she proudly advocated for YMCA programs which enhanced the region’s health and wellness.
In late 2021, YMCA Buffalo Niagara purchased seven acres of land at 1984 Elmwood Avenue in North Buffalo. The organization is currently seeking additional donors to ensure families in Buffalo have access to critical healthy living and child care programs. Charitable, tax-deductible opportunities are still available, including naming rights for the facility. The YMCA plans to begin construction of the new facility in 2024.