Nile Swim Club, the nation’s only African-American operated swim club is facing dire financial straits and sale, dimming their recent celebration of 50 years in existence. Cast in the shadows of economic decline, the club’s operating costs have risen as membership declines and new management is hoping financial aid from club, community members and grantors will save the organization from its near demise.
Since the swim club’s inception in 1959, triggered by the racial discrimination of the times, the member-based organization has established itself as one open to all individuals, in tune with its commitment to ‘Pride, History and Family Values’. Offering day camps, swim lessons and hosting private events like their very popular family reunions and teen splash parties, Nile Swim Club answers family and community needs to have a safe place where adults, children and youth can stay engaged and healthy.
The club is however in need of a face-lift and hopes donations can address necessary improvements to its dated and scant facilities which would make the club a more viable, attractive destination for existing and potential members. Ninety percent of their operational costs are from membership dues, with very little left over to tackle outstanding debts and upkeep of the club which has not been renovated in nearly three decades. Even more daunting, the facility has been enlisted for Sherriff Sale and must raise enough funds to avoid foreclosure this month.
“We’re right behind Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ campaign in combating childhood obesity rates through increased physical activity amongst children. Swimming is a great social and healthy activity and Nile Swim Club is passionate about our community’s well-being, but in order to continue to serve our mission, we need immediate support to keep the club’s doors open and are counting on the community,” says the non-profit’s president Darrel Henderson.
The club is accepting monetary and item donations in hopes of reaching an ambitious fundraising goal of $10,000 before its season opening at the end of May. Current fundraiser efforts include bi-monthly flea market sales, their 400 x $25 Campaign and reaching out to grantors.
Since 1958, The Nile Swim Club has been the only private outdoor swim facility in the United States founded by African Americans with an open membership policy regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. The Nile Swim Club is located in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, just minutes from Philadelphia, encompassing 4.5 acres and provides a fun safe environment for families during the summer season. The Nile Swim Club is a non-profit corporation owned by its members and run by its volunteer Board of Directors. For more information, please call 610.945.5900 or visit www.nileswimclub.org.
Source: Nile Swim Club
