The public is invited to purchase tickets and raffle chances to support the YMCA of Metro North programs.

The YMCA of Metro North is hosting its fourth annual Where in the World gala at the new Demakes Family YMCA in Lynn on Thursday, September 23 from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. The event is the YMCA’s biggest fundraiser of the year. This year’s grand raffle prize is a trip for two for dinner anywhere in the world provided by lead sponsor GraVoc. The event also features a live auction for attendees to bid on items including a dinner for ten prepared by Celebrity Chef Paul Wahlberg or two vacation packages: one to Pebble Beach and one to Nashville. More items are scheduled to release for pre-bidding on September 13.

“The pandemic has brought on new challenges for all of us and it has hit the families that we serve especially hard.  Loss of employment, the struggles to support a family and children on unemployment and the need for socialization in a world that has had to isolate are the challenges that our families face,” said Dave Gravel, President and CEO of GraVoc Associates and YMCA of Metro North Board member. “This year the need is greater than ever to provide financial support to the growing number of those in need to ensure that they can continue to take full advantage of all of the services that the YMCA can provide”

GraVoc has been lead sponsor of the YMCA of Metro North gala for four years.

“My wife, Cathy, and I have had the good fortune to be in a position where we can help, and we hope that all those in the community who are equally blessed can join in as well and give what you can.  Let’s make sure no family gets turned away due to lack of financial resources.

The YMCA of Metro North is inviting the public to join the event and bid on items, purchase raffle tickets, and make donations to the YMCA’s annual campaign that supports its efforts to provide financial assistance to access YMCA health programs, Y Academy Early Learning and Out-of-School Time programs, summer camps, youth and teen drop-in centers, food distribution services, aquatic safety classes, programs for active seniors and more.

The YMCA of Metro North hopes to raise $250,000 at the event this year.

“All of our fundraising efforts focus on ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed and that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and active life,” said Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North. “Whether it’s learning in our Y Academy classroom, exploring in our summer camps, engaging in health programs, or playing in our pools and gymnasiums, we are committed providing a safe and positive environment for everyone who wants to join our programs. We could not do this without the incredible support of people who believe in our mission and are able to donate.”

Tickets to the event are $100 and should be purchased in advance. Raffle tickets start at $10 for the chance to win the grand prize vacation and can be purchased by attendees and non-attendees. Portions of the event will be live-streamed on the YMCA of Metro North website.

Lead sponsors include GraVoc, Holden Filling Station, Old Neighborhood Foods, and the Costin Family. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. The YMCA of Metro North is also accepting donations of additional auction items and raffle prizes. For details, please contact Julie Gerraughty at 978-548-4370 if you are interested in sponsorships or donating an item.

Learn more: https://www.ymcametronorth.org/where-in-the-world-gala/