The first piece of décor chosen for the soon to be remodeled YMCA lobby is a meeting between Butler’s past and the organization’s future.
In a presentation made Monday afternoon, former Butler Road Race President Ron Brandon and his wife Joyce gave a painting of the race to the Butler YMCA who is taking over administration of the event next year.
The artwork was painted by Bill Rettig in 1986 or 87 near the heyday of the race when 1,300 participants finished in the most popular year. The uphill view towards the finish line includes a foot painted on the road as a tribute to Rick Davanzati Sr, one of the founders of the race.
Administrators of the Butler YMCA received the gift but will wait to display it until after renovations are completed on their new lobby sometime this October. The Butler YMCA will take over administration of the race in 2018 and proceeds will go toward their Strong Kids campaign.
Written by Ryan Saeler
