LYNN — The YMCA of Metro North is hosting its fourth annual Where in the World gala at the new Demakes Family YMCA on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 6-9 p.m.
This event, which is the YMCA’s biggest fundraiser of the year, takes the form of a cocktail reception featuring seven different continents represented by signature cocktails, beer, wine and cuisine, and will have performances by YMCA children.
There will be a live auction that includes two vacation packages: One consists of airfare, a round of golf, and a three-night stay at Pebble Beach in Monterey, Calif.; the other is a guided trip to Nashville, Tenn. that includes the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Ryman Auditorium and a three-night stay with airfare for two.
The gala also includes a $10 raffle ticket for a chance to win a trip to anywhere in the world. This raffle includes airfare for two, one night in a hotel, and dinner for two donated by lead sponsor GraVoc.
With this grand prize, the winner can choose wherever they want to go in the world and stay for as long as they want. Roundtrip airfare will be covered for a value of up to $10,000.
President and Chief Executive Officer of YMCA Metro North Kathleen Walsh said a board member came up with this idea three years ago as a way to make the gala special.
“It’s been really fun because the whole theme is wrapped around different parts of the world and what people don’t understand is that the Y is a worldwide movement,” Walsh said. “This gives us an opportunity to talk about how we serve across all seven continents; it’s not just Lynn or Peabody. It’s literally across the continents.”
Walsh said this year is extra special because they are back in-person after being virtual last year, and can showcase the new Demakes Family YMCA.
Walsh said they hope to raise $250,000 to help subsidize programs, particularly child care and camp, so all families can afford to make use of the Y.
Last year, this event was held virtually and raised about $180,000; the fundraising goal is increased each year.
“It’s a really fun, feel-good event that really showcases what the YMCA does for the community,” Walsh said.
Events like this contribute to a scholarship fund that can help pay for services — such as swimming, a membership, child care and summer camp — for those who cannot afford them.
“We never turn anyone away if they can’t pay,” Walsh said. “We are really proud to be able to do that for all of the communities that we serve,”
This event is open to the public and $100 tickets must be purchased in order to attend. The event will also be broadcast live so people can watch from home. Those who do not wish to, or cannot, attend can still purchase a $10 raffle ticket for the chance to win the grand prize vacation.
“We really saw this past year, as people were out of work, that there was a lot of fear so people didn’t want to go out in public as much,” Walsh said. “The YMCA does so much for the community and by coming to this event, you see a piece of it which may pique your interest to learn more.”
Tickets can be purchased at https://ymcaofmetronorth.org//WhereintheWorldCelebration2021.
