Swim With Purpose Charitable Fund Launched to Restore KSU Swimming Pool for Students and Community

Lexington, KY — April 11, 2023 — With the goal of raising $1M 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 been launched.

Founded by AV industry executive and avid swimmer/swim coach, Sam Taylor, Swim With Purpose was created to support the re-establishment 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.

Make a Donation to Swim With Purpose.

On April 19, Swim with Purpose is hosting a kick-off event at 9:00 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.”

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 [email protected].

Swim with Purpose Board of Directors

The carefully-selected Swim For Purpose board of directors 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, Chairman
• Katrisha Waldridge, Co-Chairman
• Jamaal Jackson
• Berry L. Popp
• Nick Belcore

About Swim With Purpose

Swim with Purpose is a charitable fund held by the Blue Grass Community Foundation. Founded by AV industry executive and avid swimmer/swim coach, Sam Taylor, Swim With Purpose was created to support the re-establishment of the indoor pool facility at the 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. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.swimwithpurpose.org.