BLUE GRASS, Iowa – The YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley announced a $1 million donation from the family of former Executive Director Tom Myers. The gift will fund improvements at YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln, which will mirror an expansion and renovation project Mr. Myers oversaw during his tenure.
The late Mr. Myers served as executive director of the then-Scott County Family Y from 1967 to 1987. His family’s donation will go directly to the YMCA’s foundation to support the camp.
“Dad was very proud of the work he had done at the YMCA in his 29 years there,” Craig Myers, his son, said in a news release Thursday, Oct. 9. “None more so though than the work he did to get the camp expanded and renovated in the late 1970s, which included a new lodge, new cabins, and utilities.”
Brad Martell, the current president/CEO of YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley, added, “Tom had a passion for YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln; it had tremendous growth under his leadership. The main lodge was built in 1974 with a fundraising campaign, and for the last 50 years it has served many kids, families, and weddings.”
For over a century, Camp Abe Lincoln has provided an outdoor safe haven for youth in the Quad Cities area. This gift will enable continued updates to the camp’s facilities.
In recognition of the family’s generosity, the YMCA will rename the main lodge at Camp Abe Lincoln as The Thomas Myers Lodge.
“The QC area is still full of baby boomers, Gen Xers, and millennials who have many fond camp memories,” Craig Myers said. “It is our hope to keep the camp as vibrant and fun as it was when we were kids.”
Tom Myers died in February at the age of 91.
