Established in 1994 and named for the year in which the Madison Area YMCA was founded, the 1873 Society recognizes the organization’s most generous benefactors. Individuals, corporations, foundations and others who contribute $1000 or more to the YMCA during the calendar year qualify for membership in this special leadership donor group. Gifts may be designated to the Annual Support Fund, Endowment Fund, or a Capital Campaign. Members of the 1873 Society are honored each year at a celebratory event and are identified by name on a permanent plaque in the lobby area of the Family Center.