(Knoxville, TN) – The Boyd Foundation has committed $1 million to YWCA Knoxville. It will help renovate the 96-year-old Downtown Center and expand the Keys of Hope Women’s Program. It will be renamed in honor of Jenny Boyd.
The financial commitment fulfills 10 percent of a $10 million fundraising goal in support of the overall Keys of Hope capital campaign. The program provides transitional services for women seeking to restore their lives and reach self-
sufficiency.
“The generous gift from the Boyd family and The Boyd Foundation is a great boost to our critical fundraising efforts to transform more lives through Keys of Hope and bring much-needed changes to our
nearly 100-year-old historic building,” said Whitney Peter, president of The Sharp Companies, Inc and board president of the YWCA of Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley. “Renovation of the YWCA Downtown Center and expansion of the Keys of Hope program will enable us to serve and empower more women through proven, life-changing programs.”
“We came together as a family to support the Keys of Hope campaign and be part of lifting women up through skills development and empowerment,” said Jenny Boyd, co-founder of The Boyd Foundation. “I knew the foundation was going to make a substantial gift, but I didn’t know that the YWCA had reached
out to my family to rename the Keys of Hope Women’s Program. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized in such a way.
“I also encourage everyone who can contribute to the Keys of Hope campaign to do so today to provide
a brighter future for women in our community.”
The Keys of Hope capital campaign will allow renovations to the YWCA Downtown Center, built in 1925, to expand efficiency of the facility so as to serve more women and preserve the historic building.
The campaign also will support the Keys of Hope program, which teaches women the skills to be independent and empowers them to live on their own with a 90 percent success rate for participants
who complete the two-year program.
“This investment in both people and infrastructure will ensure that the YWCA can continue to enhance our community and change the course of women’s lives,” City of Knoxville Vice Mayor Gwen McKenzie said.
McKenzie represents the 6th District, where the YWCA Downtown Center is located, on City Council. “YWCA brings great value to our community, working head-on to combat hard issues and bring hope to so many,” said Knox County Commissioner Dasha Lundy, who represents the 1st District, which encompasses the downtown area. “This gift from The Boyd Foundation is a monumental step in helping future generations.”
