YMCA of the North Shore Gala Event Raises $530,000 for Local Kids and Families in Need

More than 800 area residents came out in support of the YMCA of the North Shore to help raise a half million dollars at its 15th annual gala event at the Danvers Doubletree by Hilton.

This year’s event set a record for fundraising for the Y and according to CEO, Jack Meany, it is happening in the nick of time. “Our Y provides financial assistance to more than 12,500 deserving kids, adults and families on the North Shore and the need continues to grow.”  Meany explained, “In 2013 the YMCA of the North Shore will award, with the help of generous donors, over $2.7 million in financial assistance. Our strategic plan calls for our Y to provide more services for those less fortunate. We need this significant fundraising growth in order to do more for more people.”

Meany added, “Our work in the community calls for greater innovative teen services, a significant commitment to closing the achievement gap for elementary school children and health initiatives that fight childhood obesity and chronic diseases in adults.  The money raised through our gala event will directly impact our North Shore communities.”

This year’s Donors Rock the Y theme was a classic rock tribute honoring donors and supporters who continue to help the YMCA of the North Shore and its mission. The classic and cool rock and roll ballroom décor set the stage for an evening of fun and excitement including a highly anticipated silent auction, spirited live auction led by Rick Doucette of the Cape Ann YMCA as well as dinner and dancing.

“This year’s gala was a huge success,” said Beth Francis, Chief Development Officer of the YMCA of the North Shore. “Our online auction as well as our generous corporate sponsorships, enabled us to raise more than $250,000 before we even opened the doors!”

The live auction raised $34,000 as guests bid on weekend getaways, sports tickets and an African safari adventure. One of the most exciting moments of the evening was the flurry of bids for Y camp scholarships. Guests stepped up to the plate and raised more than $200,000 to send kids to Y camps.

This year’s volunteer Gala committee was co-chaired by Amy and Don Bowen and supported by Hamilton residents Stacey DeScenza and Wendy and Peter Richardson as well as Annie and Tod Brainard, Cindy and Ken Cavallaro, Liz and Lee Dellicker, Joan and David Fix, Heidi and Trevor Hanson, Ro and Hollis French, Phil Gillespie, Kathy and Brian Hines, Courtney and Mark Kagan, Ann and Bill Leaver, Lynn Lindsey, Michelle and Brian McCarthy, Bob Moffett, Debbie and Jeff Loeb, Rachel and Rob Lutts, Maura McGrane and Bob Eastman, Betsy and Peter Merry, Marge and Rich Robb, Mary and Tom Spittle, Carol and Jim Townsend and Nancy and Jim Warner.

Platinum Sponsors included People’s United Bank, Blue Vase Marketing, Institution for Savings, and Addison Gilbert & Beverly Hospitals, members of Lahey Health. Gold sponsors included Meridian Associates, Pepsico, Groom Construction, Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C., Energi, Inc., Seaboard Products, Windover Construction, Eastern Bank, 92.5FM The River. To view silver, bronze and friend sponsors, visit www.northshoreymca.org.