CHESTERTON, IN – August 20, 2026 –The Duneland Family YMCA is honored to announce a generous grant award from First Merchants Bank through its charitable giving program. This meaningful investment will support enhancements to several areas across the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus (YHLC), helping create welcoming, accessible, and purpose-driven spaces that will serve children, families, and individuals throughout the community for years to come.

The grant reflects First Merchants Bank’s longstanding commitment to strengthening communities by investing in organizations that promote opportunity, well-being, and lasting impact. Through this partnership, First Merchants is helping shape welcoming, accessible, and purpose-driven spaces throughout the YHLC, ensuring the campus environment itself supports connection, growth, belonging, and the community-focused work that happens there.

In recognition of their generosity, several YHLC spaces will be named in the bank’s honor, including the lobby elevator, outdoor trail, and program room. These spaces will serve as lasting reminders of First Merchants’ commitment to community investment and philanthropy.

“A gift of this significance reflects a shared vision for a stronger, healthier future,” said Dave Kasarda, CEO of the Duneland Family YMCA. “We sincerely thank First Merchants Bank for their remarkable generosity and leadership. The lobby elevator, outdoor trail, and program room will stand as lasting reminders of their commitment to enriching the lives of those we serve.”

“At First Merchants, our focus has always been centered on helping people and communities prosper, and that commitment extends far beyond the walls of our branches,” said Scott Casbon, Market President, Community Banking at First Merchants. “Investing in the new, transformational Duneland YMCA means investing in the health, education, and vibrant future of our neighbors. We are incredibly proud to support an organization that provides such vital resources and opportunities for everyone in our community to thrive.”

The Duneland Family YMCA extends its sincere appreciation to First Merchants Bank for helping bring the new campus vision to life. Those looking for more information on the YHLC’s progress or ways to help support the mission can visit https://www.dunelandymca.org/dunelandyhlc/.