News Release
August 6, 2004
Community Brings Back the Bounce
If service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy in this world, then generosity and cooperation are the brick and mortar of the community we build through that service.
That spirit of cooperation has brought to fulfillment one man's goal, to the benefit of countless youngsters, both today and tomorrow, involved in the sport of competitive diving.
In August 2003, Jim Brandt, diving coach, presented the problem. The diving standard at the Ed Thomas YMCA indoor pool was in poor condition. Its years of service while exposed to high heat and humidity had taken a heavy toll and each dive was marked by a distinct bang as the board came down on the standard, searching for bounce.
Brandt took his concerns to businesses and individuals throughout the community, seeking to raise more than $6,300 for the purchase and installation of a new diving standard. The community responded with typical generosity, and on July 30, less than a year after the need was identified, the inaugural dives were taken.
"We worked through the McCook Community Foundation," said Brandt, explaining that the agency agreed to serve as the fund managers. All donations go through the foundation and they facilitated payment for the diving standard.
Significant savings were realized through the volunteer installation completed by Doak Construction. "Sid and Wayne Doak were real troopers," said Brandt, explaining that they cut out the old standard, working under a plastic sheet while wearing protective clothing. "Hot, muggy work," explained Brandt.
Fund raising efforts for the second standard continue. For more information, contact the McCook Community Foundation.
Other contributors included:
McCook High Boosters
Parker Hannifen
McCook National Bank
Don and Marilyn Brandt
Kinder Morgan
Optimist Club
McCook Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Mac's Drive Inn
Nielsen Chiropractic
McCook Community Foundation
Bryant Brooks
Acme Touch Printing
State Farm/Ron Penner
Lots to Love
McCook Pharmacy
ReMax Property Center
Doak Construction
Bison Dental
Garrisons for Men
Jim and Shari Brandt
First Central Bank
Tier One Bank
AmFirst Bank
Ben Franklin
Burrows Vision Clinic
Barnett's Do It Center
Marr Insurance
Mike's Achievement Plus
Doyle Auto Repair
Holiday Inn
Peterson Jewelry
Sure Tech Diagnostics
Jim and Maryann Fitzgibbon
McCook High School Alumni
Dr. Darin Seligman
State Farm Insurance/Linda Maiden
TLC Bookkeeping
Samway Floor Covering
Wagner Ford
Sehnert's Bakery
The Sports Shoppe
Burns Podiatric Lab
Kildare Lumber
Kohl Auto Parts
Weathercraft Roofing