The Steady Hand Behind the Early Days

Featuring Dr. Gene Hedrick

When people talk about the “founding fathers” of the Washington County Family YMCA, certain names always rise to the top.

One of them is Gene Hedrick.

Gene didn’t step into the spotlight.
He didn’t seek a title.
He simply showed up — and helped make it happen.

And because of that, thousands of families in Washington County have a place to belong.

The Spark That Started It All

Gene traces the very beginning of the YMCA movement in Washington County back to one passionate leader: Ernie Gravatt.

“Ernie was the ringleader,” Gene says with a smile. “He had the passion. Without Ernie, I’m not sure we ever would have gotten it started.”

Ernie wasn’t necessarily chasing recognition or position — he simply believed Salem needed a YMCA. And that belief gathered momentum.

Gene became involved as a member and early supporter, eventually serving on the founding board of directors. He joined a group of community leaders who believed Washington County deserved a place dedicated to strengthening spirit, mind, and body.

It wasn’t easy.

But it was worth it.

Raising the Money That Built the Building

In the early 2000s, the dream of a YMCA building in Salem required more than vision — it required bold financial support.

Gene helped secure one of the most significant gifts in the organization’s history: a $400,000 award from the Ogle Foundation, followed by an additional $50,000 gift that unlocked matching funds.

That single relationship changed everything.

Gene personally reached out to board members and trusted connections. When the YMCA needed an additional $50,000 before the end of the year to complete a match, Gene picked up the phone.

“I said, ‘If we can get the other $50,000, it’ll turn into $100,000.’”

The answer?

“Yes. We’ll do it.”

That commitment helped secure the match and moved the project forward at a critical moment.

“It was a bump in the road,” Gene recalls. “But we got through it.”

That “bump” resulted in half a million dollars that helped make this building possible.

The Team That Made It Happen

Gene is quick to share the credit.

He remembers the long meetings in borrowed spaces — Westminster, small rooms, makeshift offices. Before the building existed, there were simply committed people and exercise equipment set up wherever space could be found.

He credits leaders like:

• Ernie Gravatt
• David Allen
• Tom Scifres
• John Hawkins
• Community Foundation partners
• And many others who gave time, expertise, and financial support

“People gave legal help. People gave financial help. People gave their time. It took all of that.”

It wasn’t one person. It was a community.

Watching the Y Grow

Looking at the YMCA today, Gene feels deep pride.

“I’m most proud of how it’s progressed,” he says. “The consistency in leadership has made such a difference.”

He has watched the organization move from borrowed rooms to a permanent facility. He has seen youth programs expand. He has seen families gather, grow stronger, and support one another.

“I think the community seems better overall,” Gene reflects. “There are a lot of people willing to help each other.”

For Gene, that is the true measure of success.

More Than Exercise

When asked what he would tell someone considering joining the YMCA, his answer is simple:

“You’re going to get more benefits than just exercise. You’re going to understand fellowship. Christian fellowship.”

The YMCA, to Gene, has always been about more than equipment and programs.

It’s about:

• Community
• Shared values
• Encouragement
• Support
• And living out the mission to put Christian principles into practice

“There’s no other venue in Salem that accomplishes what the Y does,” he says.

Why There’s No Place Like This Place

As the YMCA celebrates 175 years nationally and 25 years here in Washington County, Gene reflects on what makes this place special.

There is history here.
There is sacrifice here.
There is generosity here.

And there is a deep-rooted belief that when a community works together, remarkable things happen.

From securing the first major capital gifts…
To helping navigate difficult funding hurdles…
To watching generations of families walk through these doors…

Gene Hedrick has been part of it all.

Because of leaders like Gene — and the relationships he built — the Washington County Family YMCA has a foundation strong enough to serve families for generations to come.

And that is exactly why…

There is truly No Place Like This Place.