XTO + YMCA.THX.

I have been a member of the downtown YMCA, off and on, for over 25 years. I chose the Y over other workout complexes for several reasons besides the obvious one of it being a great location.

First, it has a sunlit, hardwood-floor, basketball court. At off-peak times you can grab a pickup game with other guys and girls that are just playing for fun and a little competition. Plus, they have a friendly, helpful staff, good aerobic equipment, and a great weight room.

Now, the locker rooms. I don't think they have seen much renovation in the years I have used them. But, thanks to donors like XTO the downtown YMCA will have a completely renovated facility. So says the Star-Telegram. XTO is donating $500,000 towards the $2.9 million cost. That means a lot of other people have pitched in, too. But $500M is a big check.

The other reasons I like the Y have nothing to do with my activities, it has to do with the history and tradition of the place. It's a not-for-profit corporation that does a lot of good for children and adults as well. And they do it without telling everybody how great they are.

The YMCA is trying to raise 2.9 million for renovation; many thanks to all the donors who give and make Fort Worth a great place to live.