Joanne Haselwood has pledged $2.5 million toward the Silverdale YMCA, naming it the “Haselwood Family YMCA” in honor of her late husband Chuck Haselwood.

“This is a good way to carry on Chuck’s name,” Joanne stated in a news release. “He would be proud to have his name on this facility knowing that his legacy will make a difference in his community for many generations.”

Chuck, who died in 2006, founded Haselwood Auto Group and was a longtime Kitsap County businessman and philanthropist. Joanne said he believed in giving back to the community and supported organizations that provided opportunities and safe places for youth, adding he would have definitely donated money to the YMCA.

“He would have been there probably before me,” she said.

YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said they are “very excited” about Joanne’s contribution to the Silverdale facility.

“She’s so committed and has so much admiration for her late husband Chuck,” LaRue said.

Ron and Nadean Ross, of Silverdale, pledged $1 million to the YMCA in June, marking the first private pledge for the facility.

“The Ross gift really inspired the Haselwood donation,” LaRue said.

With an estimated project cost of $15 million to $18 million, funds will come from three sources including $5 million in public monies (not Kitsap County debt), $5 million in private fundraising conducted by the YMCA and $5 million to $8 million financed by the YMCA.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” LaRue said. “We really need the community to get behind the project.”

Joanne recently met with Haselwood Auto Group employees and told them about the YMCA and her donation. She said she hopes they too will support the facility.

“I believe the YMCA is essential for the children and future generations of our community and encourage Kitsap County leaders and residents to get behind this and make it happen,” Joanne said.

The Haselwood Family YMCA will feature swimming pools, wellness centers, exercise and multipurpose rooms, a gym, a community meeting center, a youth drop-in zone and nursery.

The 50,000 to 70,000-square-foot facility will be located on the Central Kitsap Community Campus at the intersection of Poplars Avenue and Silverdale Way.

LaRue said the Haselwood Family YMCA will be similar to the 70,000-square-foot facility in Gig Harbor. The project is slated to break ground in summer 2010 and open its doors to the public by winter 2011.

The facility will serve as estimated 15,000 members and provide jobs for 200 people.

“It’s something to be proud of and it will be a beautiful thing,” Joanne said.