The South Sound YMCA really knows how to rough it: fine dining, decadent desserts, silent and live auctions, and amazing community benefits. This year’s fundraiser is “Camping the Night Away” and will be held on September 27 at the Lacey Community Center. With a goal of $75,000, the YMCA staff hopes to beat previous year’s totals and support youth development programs throughout our area.
In 2012, the South Sound YMCA benefitted over 1,600 children through after school care, 900 in summer camps, and 6,000 new swimmers. They served 46,000 members and provided over $500,000 of financial assistance to needy families in our region. This was done with a team of 1,300 volunteers contributing more than 16,000 hours of their time. Donations and sponsorship from the community are what make these amazing numbers possible.
While these fundraising events have gone on for more than 20 years, the Y keeps things fresh by featuring amazing local foods, restaurants, and businesses. This year’s evening is catered by Ricardo’s with Starbucks employees volunteering their time as servers. The silent auction portion of the night consists of free beer and wine, wood-fired pizza, raffles, and a high-speed ‘dessert dash.’ Raffle tickets will be sold for prizes. One lucky purchaser of a “Blinky Rings” will win a stunning new piece of jewelry.
But “Camping the Night Away” is more than simply an elegant and fun night out. The South Sound YMCA hopes to continue offering amazing programs at affordable prices. Says Lynn Wofford, the Auction Steering Committee Chair, “Each year, thousands of youth and teens participate in Y programs and activities. The Y believes that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Through the Y, they are cultivating the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and academic achievement. The money raised will allow the Y to develop and expand youth development programs in our community. Your Y offers numerous programs to meet the needs of youth and teens including Youth & Government, chess club, dance, science, martial arts, strength training, child care, summer camp, youth sports and preschool, to name a few.”
To do so, the YMCA solicited donations from local businesses, individuals, and groups as auction items. This year they brought in an amazing assortment including a four-night stay in Sun River, a guided razor clam dig, a spa weekend, a Spring Break Disneyland package, Seahawks tickets, dinners, wine tastings, and weekend getaways around South Sound.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased online or by calling Susan Callender at 360-918-0310. Donations are gladly accepted for future fundraisers and there is a wishlist available on the South Sound YMCA’s website. The event is $75 and doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Everyone benefits from events like this, whether on site through food, friends, and prizes or as a community enjoying amazing facilities, classes, and a safe, nurturing environment to learn and grow.
