The Kiwanis Club of Livingston handed a $12,000 check to the West Essex YMCA on Tuesday, May 27, part of the club's $50,000 pledge toward the new YMCA under construction at 304 S. Livingston Ave.

Kiwanis President Russell Ferrara and members Craig Dufford, Patrick Ippolito, and Michael Vieira presented the check to YMCA directors Cheryl Tuturice, Deborah Kessler, and Shannon Frank. The money was raised through the club's 2025 Golf Classic and Oktoberfest event.

"We value our partnership with the Kiwanis and look forward to continuing our work together to positively impact the greater Livingston community," said Tuturice, the West Essex YMCA's district executive director.

The Kiwanis Club, which has served Livingston since 1930, has partnered with the Y on past efforts including the Kiwanis Karnival, support for the Piranhas Swim Team, and emergency child care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What the new facility means for residents

The new West Essex YMCA is scheduled to open in December 2026 on roughly 6 acres of land formerly belonging to Grace Lutheran Church. At 56,000 square feet, it will be more than double the size of the current branch at 321 S. Livingston Ave., according to the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges.

The $32 million project will include a 12,000-square-foot wellness center, two pools (a six-lane lap pool and a warm-water pool), an indoor walking and running track, an outdoor field, a community kitchen, and 250 parking spaces.

The capital campaign has raised more than $5 million, according to the YMCA's campaign page. Other major donors include the Rotary Club of Livingston ($80,000), the Township of Livingston, the State of New Jersey, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Vericon Construction.

Residents who donate $250 or more by August 31 will have their names permanently recognized on the donor wall inside the new building. Contributions can be made at thenewlivingstonymca.org or by contacting Development Director Alisa Laudicina at [email protected].

The club's next fundraiser, the 35th Annual Kiwanis Golf Classic, is Monday, August 10, at Knoll Country Club West (Upper Course), 990 Greenbank Road, Boonton. Individual golfer registration is $200; happy hour and dinner only is $70. Registration closes Friday, August 1. Email [email protected] to sign up.