Dr. Pradeep Giriyappa Pledges $25,000 to Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA to Expand Accessibility for All Youth

The Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA is honored to announce a generous pledge of $25,000 from Dr. Pradeep Giriyappa, to be given in installments over the next four years. This deeply meaningful gift is made in loving memory of his late daughter, Deena Giriyappa, and reflects a shared commitment to making the YMCA a welcoming space for all, especially youth who experience barriers to participation.

Deena, who lived with physical disabilities, inspired a vision of inclusion that this gift now brings to life. In its first year, Dr. Giriyappa’s donation has already funded several transformative enhancements to the Y, creating a more accessible and sensory-friendly environment for children and families.

Improvements include:

• An ADA-accessible door opener for the entrance to the Pitz Family Fun Center, ensuring all children and families can enter with ease and dignity.
• A robust selection of sensory tools and equipment—including high-quality fidgets, dimming light covers, flexible seating like wobble stools and rocker chairs, and materials tailored to sensory-seeking behaviors—all of which were showcased during Healthy Kids Day and now enhance the Early Childhood Education (ECE) space.
• A new accessible swing for the ECE playground, allowing more children to experience the joy of outdoor play regardless of ability.
• Investment in sound-dampening ceiling tiles for the Purple and Rainbow classrooms to support children who are sensitive to noise, enhancing their ability to learn, play, and thrive in a calmer environment.

“Deena grew up in this community and always felt loved, welcomed, and truly part of it,” said Dr. Pradeep Giriyappa. “She had a strong desire to give back and help others here. This gift is a small step toward honoring that spirit and continuing the impact she hoped to make.”

As the YMCA continues to prioritize equity and inclusion in every program and space, Dr. Giriyappa’s support helps remove physical and sensory barriers so that all children—regardless of ability—can participate fully, connect meaningfully, and grow with confidence.

“This gift is more than a donation—it is an invitation for every child to belong,” said Julie Grossman, CEO of the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA. “Dr. Giriyappa’s contribution ensures that our Y reflects our core values of caring, respect, and inclusion. We are profoundly grateful for his generosity and the enduring impact it will have on our community.”

About the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA
Driven by its founding mission, the YMCA has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. Locally, the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA empowers individuals and families by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive.