Love might make the world go ’round but very often it’s volunteers — and philanthropy, in particular — that makes small cities like the ones in Superiorand work well.

That was clearly on display Saturday in Marquette when David and Thu Brule used the YMCA’s celebration of its history to secure the organization’s future.

The event was the Y’s marking of 25 years in operation. The Brules were on hand to donate $1 million which will be used to eliminate the organization’s debt.

“Obviously this is a very exciting and extremely significant milestone and Thu and I are proud to be a part of the celebration of the Y’s future,” David Brule said for a Mining Journal story on the matter. “However, what we have done is not a gift. We are making an investment and like any other investment, we expect a return. Of course helping to secure the Y’s financial future is a part of that return, but seeing the Y thrive is where we get the bang for our buck.”

As most know, the Y has had its financial problems in recent years, issues that were capped by a bankruptcy filing in May 2017.

Michele Butler, chief volunteer officer of the YMCA board, said the Y has been waiting for a major donor to come along and offer their support.

“The vision and the goals that we share for the Y have been examined and well received by a family in the local community,” Butler said in the Journal story. “This is a family that not only believes in the YMCA but also the Marquette community. They have the capacity to understand the value of giving back — that’s what a true philanthropist is.”

We couldn’t agree more.

The YMCA of Marquette County is an integral part of what makes this neck of the woods the wonderful place to live and work that it is. We salute the Brules for their donation, which will put the Y on very firm financial ground going forward.

Thanks to them, and all the hard work of the staff and volunteers, the YMCA will be around for a very long time.