Door County, Wis. (April 13, 2026) – The Door County YMCA will celebrate a historic milestone on May 7 at the Kress Pavilion, recognizing 175 years of the YMCA movement and more than 39 years of the Door County YMCA serving and strengthening the local community.
Since opening its doors in Door County in the mid-1980s, the YMCA has grown into a vital community organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Over the past three-plus decades, the Y has provided programs and services that support individuals and families across all stages of life.
From teaching thousands of children essential water safety skills through youth swim lessons, to creating lifelong memories and friendships at summer camp, the Y has played an important role in shaping generations of Door County youth. Families throughout the county rely on the YMCA’s before and afterschool programs, which provide safe, enriching environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive while supporting working parents.
The Y’s impact also extends to life-changing health and wellness programs for adults. Programs such as LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA help cancer survivors rebuild strength, endurance, and confidence following treatment, while Rock Steady Boxing, a non-contact boxing program designed specifically for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, helps participants improve mobility, balance, and quality of life.
“The YMCA has always been about more than a building—it’s about people, community, and opportunity,” said Tonya Felhofer, Door County YMCA CEO “For nearly 40 years, the Door County YMCA has worked to ensure that everyone in our community has access to programs that support their health, well-being, and personal growth.”
Today, the Door County YMCA continues to serve thousands of members and program participants each year through its Sturgeon Bay and Jackie & Steve Kane program centers, providing opportunities for individuals and families to connect, stay active, and build stronger communities.
The 175th Anniversary Celebration on May 7 will bring together members, donors, volunteers, and community partners to reflect on the Y’s history, celebrate its impact, and look ahead to the future.
“Every swim lesson taught, every camper who discovered confidence, every family supported through childcare, and every individual who found strength through programs like LIVESTRONG or Rock Steady Boxing is part of the story of the Y,” said Tonya Felhofer “This celebration is about recognizing the people and partnerships that have made this impact possible.”
The Door County YMCA invites community members to join in celebrating this important milestone and the continued mission of strengthening community through programs that nurture the potential of every individual. To register for the 175th Fundraising Event please click here or call our Welcome Center at 920-743-4949 or 920-868-3660.
For more information about the event or the programs offered at the Door County YMCA, visit www.DoorCountyYMCA.org.
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