Bringing swimming back to Kentucky State University, the Frankfort community, and the YMCA

Donate Now

Now is the time to donate! Swim With Purpose will match your donation through the end of February 2025.

Our Mission

Our mission at Swim With Purpose is to raise $1 million dollars to renovate and reopen the Aquatic Center at Kentucky State University, an HBCU. Kentucky State students, faculty and staff along with the local community will once again have a facility for swim lessons, recreation, and exercise. Programs will be created by the University and the Frankfort YMCA to break generational stigmas and create a safe and teachable atmosphere for children, college students and adults. This fund will also establish a self-sustaining fund for ongoing maintenance and programs while partnering with the community with programs and facilities.

Our Fund

100% of your generous donations go directly to the renovation and reopening of the Kentucky State University Aquatic Center. All Swim With Purpose board members serve on a voluntary basis. Additionally, our board members cover all administrative expenses. Swim With Purpose is a fund held within the Blue Grass Community Foundation a 501(c) (3) organization.

All donations are tax deductible.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Minorities are 50% more likely to drown than non-minorities and young minority children are up to ten times more likely to drown than non-minority children

Pool before rennovation

This is where we're starting

Our facility is in need of renovation and restoration

Pool after renovation

This is what we're building

When complete, our facility will rejuvenate a community

Michael Phelps

Statement of Support from Michael Phelps

I, Michael Phelps, support Swim With Purpose's mission and their efforts to renovate and reopen the aquatic center at Kentucky State University, an HBCU. It's wonderful to see people and organizations coming together to make a difference in underserved communities. I hope that Swim With Purpose is able to reach its fundraising goal and that the renovated aquatic center can make a positive impact on the lives of those who benefit from it.

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In the News

Fox 56 News Spotlights Our Mission

We're excited to share that Fox 56's Tyler Melito recently visited us to learn more about our mission to bring swimming back to KSU! In the story, our board chairman Sam Taylor explains why this pool means so much to Franklin County and shares some eye-opening statistics about swimming safety in our community. The piece highlights how the KSU pool was one of the only indoor public pools in the area before it closed, and how its restoration will once again provide a crucial resource for both KSU students and local residents. Sam also shares our vision for the future, including plans for free swim lessons, a swim club, and maybe even an NCAA swim team!

Watch the Video Read the Article
Fox 56 News Coverage

Help Support Us

Join us in promoting a healthier community by making a difference through your support of Swim with Purpose Fund. Your contribution can help bring back the indoor pool facility at the Exum Center, create ongoing programs and facilities, and inspire healthy habits.

Dollars Donated

Percent of Our Goal

Donate Now

Letter of Support

Join other community leaders in showing your support to Governor Andy Beshear for bringing swimming back to Kentucky State University and the Frankfort community.

Letter of Support
Read the Letter

Sign Our Letter of Support

Introducing the Swim with Purpose Podcast!

Sam Taylor sits down with Katrisha Waldridge, Frankfort City Commissioner and Chairman/Co-founder of Swim with Purpose, to discuss the impact access to swimming has on the community and how Swim with Purpose is working to make it more accessible to all. Listen Here!

Board of Directors

The board of directors for Swim with Purpose is comprised of dedicated individuals who share a passion for promoting healthy living and creating opportunities for community members of all ages. With a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, the board works collaboratively to oversee the organization's fundraising efforts, develop programs, and establish partnerships to achieve the fund's goals of reestablishing the indoor pool facility at the Exum Center.

Sam Taylor

Sam Taylor

Chairman and Co‑founder
Katrisha Waldridge

Katrisha Waldridge

Co-Chairman and Co‑founder
Jamaal

Dr. Jamaal Jackson

Board Member and Co‑founder
Berry Popp

Berry L. Popp

Board Member and Co‑founder
Nick Belacore

Nick Belcore

Board Member and Co‑founder
Chuck Geveden

Chuck Geveden

Board Member

Corporate Sponsors

Contact

Address

Blue Grass Community Foundation
ATTN: Swim With Purpose
499 E. High Street, Ste. 112
Lexington, KY 40507

Email

[email protected]
[email protected]

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