PEABODY — Celebrity chef Paul Wahlberg will be donating a prepared dinner for 10 as one of the primary items up for grabs at the YMCA of Metro North’s “Where in the World Did 2020 Go?” virtual fundraising gala. A $5,000 grand cash prize is another large item for the appropriately titled event set for Thursday, Sept 17 at 7 p.m.
“This year our event is more critical than ever,” said Kathleen Walsh, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North. “Our commitment to providing the tools for success to kids in our communities has not wavered, despite COVID-19. The event will support our efforts in providing meals to all, enhancing our Y Academy experience to align with public schools, recruiting and retaining high quality staff and making sure ALL kids have an experience that is positive, fun and safe.”
While the event will be a virtual one, there will still be entertainment along with numerous auction items with all proceeds benefiting critical youth services that support online learning experiences for schools.
Members of the public can join the event and bid on items, purchase raffle tickets, and make donations to support scholarships and access to Y Academy, youth and teen drop-in centers, food distribution services, aquatic safety programs, leadership development and more.
The gala is supported by its lead sponsors GraVoc in Peabody, which is donating the $5,000 cash prize, and Old Neighborhood Foods in Lynn. Wahlberg’s exclusively prepared in-home meal will be auctioned off that night. Wahlberg is also promoting the gala with a video appeal to supporters asking for donations leading up to the online event.
Other auction/raffle items include a set of Adirondack chairs and firepit and a $1,000 shopping spree at Kappy’s Liquors. Old Neighborhood will also be donating a package that includes 10 pounds of meat every month for one year.
“We believe in the mission of the YMCA as it relates to healthy living and supporting our community,” said GraVoc President and CEO Dave Gravel. “We strongly believe that the work of the YMCA with youth is critically important to their development. We are passionate about ensuring that all children, regardless of income, have the ability to participate in YMCA programs, and that is why we stay actively involved in helping to achieve that goal. My wife, Cathy, and I have been blessed with four healthy children and six healthy grandchildren and we have worked hard to create a good business that can sustain many families. We believe it is our responsibility to share those blessings with those who may not be as fortunate.”
Advance bids on auction items can be made prior to the gala. There will also be several prizes that will be raffled off during the event, culminating with the $5,000 grand prize. Raffle chances will be limited to 250. Chances are $100 each and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/WITW2020GO.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available and Metro North is also accepting donations of additional auction items and raffle prizes. For further information on sponsorships or to make a donation, contact Julie Gerraughty at [email protected].
The YMCA of Metro North association formed in 2012 when the Greater Lynn YMCA acquired and merged with the Melrose Family YMCA, and serves the communities of Lynn, Lynnfield, Melrose, Nahant, Peabody, Saugus, Stoneham, and Revere.
For more information about Metro North, go to https://www.ymcametronorth.org/2020-gala.