With the goal of raising $1 million to rejuvenate a community by bringing back a swimming facility to Kentucky State University (KSU) students and YMCA members in the local area, a new charitable fund called Swim With Purpose has officially launched.

Founded by AV industry executive and avid swimmer/swim coach, Sam Taylor, Swim With Purpose was created to support the reestablishment of the indoor pool facility at the William Exum Center for the students, faculty and community to utilize for healthy lifestyle and therapy. Programs will be developed by the University and the Frankfort YMCA to break generational stigmas and create a safe and teachable atmosphere for children, college students and adults. The fund will also be used for ongoing maintenance and programs that serve the community.

On April 19, Swim With Purpose is hosting a kick-off event at 9 a.m. at the KSU Cooperative Extension building on campus. This gathering provides the opportunity for attendees to meet the board of directors, listen to a short presentation about Swim With Purpose, then walk over to the William Exum Center to have some photos taken in the (empty) pool to celebrate the official launch of Swim With Purpose.

According to Swim With Purpose Founder Sam Taylor, “Because I am retiring in June, I will be able to spend more time engaging in my lifelong passion for swimming. While swimming at KSU as a member of the YMCA, I was aware that the pool at Kentucky State University had been out of operation for nearly two years. These fundraising efforts will allow us to make the necessary repairs to get the pool back in working condition.”

Here’s an interview I recorded with Sam yesterday:

Taylor reflected, “KSU is a public, historically black land-grant university. Unfortunately, statistics show that minorities are 50 percent more likely to drown because of their limited access to pools and swim lessons. Once the pool is ready, the next goal is to start a swim program for college students. Additionally, we are working with the local YMCA on providing swim lessons for those children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to this life-saving skill.”

Taylor added that in addition to monetary donations, Swim with Purpose is also in need of AV equipment that can be used in and around the swim area in the William Exum Center, as well as auctioned as part of additional fundraising efforts. To donate equipment, please email info@swimwithpurpose.org.

Swim with Purpose Board of Directors

• Sam Taylor, Chairman
• Katrisha Waldridge, Co-Chairman
• Jamaal Jackson is the Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations and the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Kentucky State University
• Berry Popp is Vice President and Commercial Lender of Whitaker Bank.
• Nick Belcore is the Executive Vice President of Peerless-AV a technology hardware company.

Swim With Purpose is a charitable fund held by the Blue Grass Community Foundation. Programs will be developed by the University and the Frankfort YMCA to break generational stigmas and create a safe and teachable atmosphere for children, college students and adults. The fund will also be used for ongoing maintenance and programs that serve the community. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.swimwithpurpose.org.