Duke Energy Foundation will donate $500,000 today toward a new outdoor education center that will be part of the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA planned in Avon.

Duke officials will present the check to the youth and staff of White Oak Elementary at 4 p.m. as part of the school’s Earth Day activities.

“We felt Earth Day was the perfect opportunity to make this announcement because the day is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the earth’s environment,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Jim Stanley in a company statement. “We expect the new Outdoor Education Center to provide an ongoing awareness about protecting our environment in addition to being a place for all to enjoy.”

YMCA officials have now raised 62 percent of their $13.5 million goal. Mary Beth Carmichael, YMCA community executive director, remains optimistic they will raise the remaining $5.2 million and break ground this fall on the 72-acre site across from the new Honda car dealership along U.S. 36.

The YMCA and Hendricks Regional Health will share the 100,000-square-foot building and combine YMCA programs with hospital wellness services.