Phil Curtis Boosts Jackson Y Capital Campaign with $435K Gift

(October 28, 2020 11:46 AM) The Jackson YMCA announced that Phil Curtis, a prominent local attorney and lifelong Jackson County resident, personally and with support of his businesses, foundations and charitable trusts has contributed $435,000 to the Jackson YMCA’s capital campaign. Curtis, who has a long history of serving and contributing to Jackson-area nonprofits, said his gift comes from a desire to give back to the Jackson community and to support the Y’s efforts to be a catalyst for collaboration and positive change.

“I’ve been involved with the YMCA all my life,” said Curtis, a former Y board member and current lifetime member of the Jackson YMCA. “The Y has greatly expanded, it reaches everyone, and has had a big impact on youth. I have been relatively successful, I work hard, and I want to give back to the community. I have dedicated my life to giving back to people.”

Phil Curtis is featured in a video highlighting his contribution and the Y’s impact on the community. The video is available at www.JacksonYMCA.org.

In January, the Consumers Energy Foundation announced a matching capital campaign grant of up to $3 million. Phil Curtis’ gift, in addition to his personal commitment, includes gifts from Classic Turning/Great Lakes Metal Finishing, Curtis, Curtis & Brelinski, Robbie Curtis Foundation, Dwight & Lucile Aldrich Foundation, Mabel Harris Charitable Trust and Gaynel Fausel Charitable Trust, all of which goes toward that match, which is at approximately $2.6 million to date.

The Jackson YMCA continues to progress in its fundraising efforts to replace its nearly 60-year old building. The YMCA’s capital campaign has now raised more than $18.5 million in pledges and contributions to fund construction of a contemporary new facility and create a healthy living campus in downtown Jackson.

Generations of the Curtis family have grown up in the Y pool. Curtis is a swimmer, and his grandchildren also competed on the Y swim team. As a supporter of many local organizations such as the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Jackson School of the Arts, Michigan Theatre, Spring Arbor University and more, Curtis believes in the power of collaboration.

“I support the arts education and athletics, and I love the YMCA collaborations I have seen, particularly with the JSA and JSO,” he said, referencing the Y’s Summer Day Camp partnerships. “It’s so encouraging to see the leaders of these organizations so cognizant of how we can do so much more together.

“I am deeply appreciative of this very generous gift from Phil Curtis,” said Jackson YMCA CEO Shawna Tello. “The Y’s volunteer leaders and I share his belief that organizations like the Y can accomplish so much more by working with like-minded partners. The Y has spent most of this extremely challenging year working to create and expand partnerships to better meet our community’s evolving needs. The Y’s pledge to be “for all” and its inclusive approach are resonating with community leaders and generous donors like Phil Curtis. His gift adds momentum to our effort with more good news to announce in the coming weeks.”