YMCA Camp Eberhart receives $125,000 matching gift for Dave’s House Renovation

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. --It’s described as a place to make friendships, a place to reflect and a place of peace.

For the past 92 years, Dave's House has stood upon Corey Lake, serving as a building for music, theatre and astronomy program for Camp Eberhart.

“At camp, so much magic happens. We always talk about camp as a place where we always grow people and I get really emotional. I just see every day our campers growing in one way or another. We really promote the foundation of building and growing individuals that contribute to society in a healthy way,” Chief Operations Officer of YMCA Greater Michiana Denise Peters said.

But now, the building is in need of repairs. An anonymous donor has provided a $125,000 matching challenge gift. Every dollar donated will be 100% matched.

The renovation project will include the installation of new windows and doors, roof replacement, fireplace repairs and ADA accessibility updates.

“But what I think is that it’s just so important to so many people that have come here. Former campers often speak about Dave’s House as being a place where they really remember some of their best memories where they remember ‘Oh my cover band played here, or I got to do my first play here or I got to see the stars here.’ People speak very highly of their time at Dave’s House, and it really does hold a special place for people,” Director of Fund Development at YMCA Camp Eberhart Patti Green said.

With camp around the corner scheduled for June 16th, they are hoping to have the donations raised by the end of May with enough time to complete renovations and build more memories for the next century.

“It’s an opportunity to provide opportunities. Programs and things are great, but when you have a program that provides an opportunity for people to grow, kids experience something they would never have that opportunity to do. Dave's House if we can find funds to help us renovate, it kind of keeps this magical, historical place alive but it also gives us some funds that are available to bring campers here who might not be able to experience this opportunity here at camp,” Peters said. 

To donate to Dave's House, click here.