The YMCA of the Metro North association’s annual Where in the World fundraising gala raised more than $150,000 to support scholarships for its youth and teen programs. The September 17th event was held virtually with an online auction and grand raffle prize of $5,000 donated by GraVoc Associates, Inc.

The event raises money to support individuals and families in need of financial assistance at YMCA of Metro North summer camps, early education centers, and other programs across the 9 communities the YMCA of Metro North serves.

Appropriately titled Where in the World Did 2020 Go?, the event program included entertainment and impact stories from the YMCA of Metro North’s COVID-19 response this year. The association provided emergency child care for essential workers, distributed food and infant supplies to needy families, purchased more than $50,000 in new safety equipment for its child care and fitness facilities and set up an emergency shelter for homeless persons.

In addition to sponsorships from 40 businesses and donors including GraVoc Associates, Inc., Old Neighborhood Foods, Bruce and Tricia Herring, and The Colcord Family, the hour-long event and raffle drew and audience of members, staff, and friends of the Y. This included Nancy Sherman, a YMCA member and winner of the grand raffle prize.

“We needed to get creative this year with our fundraising and this virtual event was the perfect way to engage and entertain our donors,” said Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North. “Our work supporting youth and teens is not going to stop or slow down, and the generosity of our supporters makes it possible for us to continue providing safe and nurturing spaces for kids to learn and grow.”

The gala event is still accepting donations from its website where you can view a recording of the event: https://www.metronorthymcagala.org/