For Release: 11-28-2006

Local Medical Device Entrepreneur, James LeVoy Sorenson, Pledges $1 Million in Matching Funds to YMCA of Greater Salt Lake to Renovate Camp Roger in Uinta Mountains

For many kids from low-income families, a scholarship to YMCA's Camp Roger is their only chance to sit around a campfire, sleep in a cabin, ride a horse or fish in a mountain pond. James LeVoy Sorenson's challenge grant will allow local YMCA—which serves boys and girls of all faiths, races and economic levels—to refurbish its camp.

SALT LAKE CITY (November 28, 2006) — The YMCA of Greater Salt Lake today announced that James LeVoy Sorenson, a successful local biotechnology entrepreneur, will donate $1 million in matching funds to refurbish Camp Roger, the primary facility through which the local YMCA serves children.

The camp, built in a spectacular Uinta mountain setting by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression of the 1930's, has 25 cabins, a lodge, stables and athletic facilities that today require a serious commitment of resources to bring them up to American Camping Association accreditation standards, said Tom Nissalke, newly appointed CEO of the YMCA of Greater Salt Lake. The Salt Lake branch of the national YMCA has no major downtown facility but instead offers children ages 7-17 outdoor activities at Camp Roger, 14 miles east of Kamas off Mirror Lake highway, and provides before- and after-school programs in local elementary schools.

"With the help of this extraordinarily generous gift from Mr. Sorenson we intend to completely renovate Camp Roger within the next two years," said Nissalke. "Once we do that, we will be able to extend our camp partnerships with boys and girls clubs and with church groups to better serve the entire state. Also, after we fix up Camp Roger, we'll be able to offer the facility—off-season—to corporations for seminars and company outings, which will help defray ongoing operating expenses."

Sorenson—a Utahn who invented many of the medical devices that are now standard equipment in today's critical healthcare settings, such as the first computerized heart monitor, the first paper surgical mask and the first disposable intravenous catheter—grew up in a poor family during the Great Depression and is a long-time patron of organizations that serve children. He was the primary donor for the Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center on Salt Lake City's west side.

"It is very important for kids to have the opportunity to hike in the woods, go fishing in a mountain stream and do all the outdoor activities that contribute to a healthy mind, body and spirit," Sorenson said. "The YMCA of Greater Salt Lake deserves everyone's support for the tremendous benefit it brings to children of families from all religions, races and incomes in our community."

The YMCA will now gather pledges for the challenge grant, said Nissalke. Until July 1, 2007, individuals who contribute will have their donations matched dollar-for-dollar by the Sorenson grant up to a total Sorenson donation of $1 million. Any extra money raised beyond that necessary for Camp Roger renovation will go to other needs, such as providing camp scholarships to children from low-income families. To contribute, individuals should mail donations to YMCA of Greater Salt Lake, 3098 South Highland Drive, Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, phone 801-466-6299, email ymca@ymcasaltlake.org. YMCA of Greater Salt Lake is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

About YMCA of Greater Salt Lake
The YMCA of Greater Salt Lake (www.ymcasaltlake.org) welcomes all children with an engaging, stimulating and secure environment dedicated to the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. It provides programs and services that strive to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.