The J recently launched its “Growing Our J” campaign, an expansion initiative designed focused on the renovation of The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre and the construction of a new indoor, family friendly, recreational pool.
This campaign is designed to strengthen The J’s offerings as membership has increased. In the past five years, The J’s membership increased by 48% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This summer, more than 30,000 individual check-ins occurred at the pool entrance, and ticket sales at the White Theatre have doubled since the 2018–2019 season.
President and CEO of The J Jim Sluyter is hopeful that this expansion will enhance the community’s opportunities to gather throughout the year.
"We are always looking to expand our members' experiences here at The J,” he said, “and this new recreational pool is so exciting because it will provide people of all ages the ability to enjoy time with friends and family in warm, inviting water year-round. It further enhances our mission and ability to serve our members and our community.”
Through the campaign, The J aims to raise $12 million to support capital growth and facility improvements that will benefit members for years to come. To date, more than $8.5 million have already been committed by donors.
The vision initially began with Danielle and Sam Levine, who recognized a need for more year-round activity opportunities for their grandchildren.
“We wanted to help create a space that brings families together throughout the year,” Sam Levine said. “The J has always been a place where our family feels connected, and we hope this project helps others experience that same sense of community.”
“Seeing our grandchildren learn, play and grow here inspired us to give back,” Danielle Levine said. “It’s meaningful to know we’re helping build a space where future generations can make memories together.”
After playing a pivotal role in The J’s previous capital campaign, Scott Slabotsky will lead the “Growing Our J” campaign as chair.
“My passion for this campaign focuses on the collaborative vision we have as we look forward to the next 20 years, the growing needs and wants of our members, as well as being aware of what is being offered by our competitors,” Slabotsky said. “This new indoor water park will be cutting edge and will give our membership year-round enjoyment that we currently don't offer today.”
Serving alongside campaign leadership, Howard Jacobson lends his experience and guidance as honorary chair.
A key component of the campaign is the renovation of The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre. Upgrades to the theater will modernize the venue with improved seating and enhanced amenities.
Rendering of the planned White Theatre renovation. (GastingerWalker)
“With improved accessibility, enhanced sound and upgraded lighting, we’re creating a space where every seat offers a truly exceptional experience,” Sluyter said. “Renovating The White Theatre ensures everyone in our community can continue to experience the joy of live performance for years to come.”
The J’s plans for a new indoor aquatic center are also intended to further enrich recreation and wellness opportunities for members. For more than 30 years, The J has had a 25-yard indoor pool. While there will be minor improvements to this existing lap pool, the emphasis will be on a new facility with a diverse set of features meant to attract and entertain participants of all ages. The main features will include a lazy river, zero-depth pool for accessibility, vortex-style jacuzzi and slides of varying heights, including a three-story slide that will extend outside of the building.
These new bodies of water will expand the functionality of The J’s aquatics center and provide spaces for swimming, therapy, play and relaxation. Family changing rooms, pool deck lockers and birthday party spaces will further improve the overall experience.
The J will host a series of town-hall-style events this winter, offering community members the opportunity to learn more and share feedback on plans for the new aquatic center and theater renovations. Informational materials will be available throughout The J in the coming weeks, and updated project statistics will be shared as they become available. Members are encouraged to visit GrowingOurJ.org regularly for the latest updates.
Bailey Nakelsky, chief philanthropy officer of The J, encourages community members to reach out to her for more information about being a part of this project.
“Supporting a capital campaign provides donors with the opportunity to touch and feel the impact of their gift,” Nakelsky said. “These projects will strengthen our community by creating spaces that inspire connection, growth and belonging.”
For additional information or to learn how to support this initiative, those interested can contact Nakelsky at (913) 981-8896 or , or Cindy Bodker, director of philanthropy, at (913) 981-8807 or .
