John and Melissa Besse Foundation commits $2M to Escanaba YMCA for new aquatic training center

The Northern Lights YMCA in Escanaba, Michigan, has announced a $2 million commitment from the John and Melissa Besse Foundation to support construction of a new aquatic center. The gift includes a $1 million award and a $1 million matching challenge to encourage local funding toward the center’s $7.5 million fundraising goal. The project will expand regional water safety, inclusion, lifeguard training, and search-and-rescue readiness through a modern aquatic facility with accessible design.