YMCA 1891 Community Gala Fundraiser Honors Four and Celebrates History of Community Giving
Actor Delroy Lindo Serves as Emcee, Recognizes Ys Impact
 
The YMCA of Montclair held its inaugural fundraiser – the 1891 Community Gala – on December 3rd, and by all accounts the evening was a resounding success.  All 234 tickets to the event sold out three weeks prior to the event and a wait list was negotiated right up to the end.  The distinguished guests in attendance all showed their appreciation for the Y through contributions and personal appeals for others to support the vital programs and services the Y brings to the community.  Most who attended are also members of the Y facility and many donate time to serve on the Board, committees and assist development efforts on behalf of the Strong Kids Campaign.  The guests enjoyed a trio of live music while perusing the raffle and silent auction items, they were served a five course meal beautifully prepared at the Highlawn Pavilion.  The view was spectacular on the crisp December night providing an omen for the success of the evening.
 
According to Jo Ann Short, President & CEO of the YMCA of Montclair, the evening was extremely gratifying.  “This past year the Y celebrated its 120th year of being a vital community resource.  Many of our neighbors think of us as a great place to work out and swim, and while we appreciate the opportunity to provide those services to so many, tonight we had a chance to retell our story by focusing on our true mission of giving.”  “We are a non-profit organization that provides youth development and healthy living with social responsibility as the mainstay and for those with demonstrated need, we offer financial assistance so all can participate as we never turn anybody away.  Every day all of us who are fortunate enough to work at the Y get to be a part of wonderful experiences as we see and hear firsthand how we’re impacting the lives of children, adults and seniors. This is just who we are and what we do, but by doing a better job of sharing these stories with the community it can help raise awareness of our core mission.”
 
Four people whose contributions to further the Ys mission were honored for their years of service and dedication.  They include Helen Geyer, a YMCA volunteer for over 50 years and who, along with husband Bill helped fund the Helen and Bill Geyer Family Center and Geyer Hall at Frost Valley YMCA; Tom Boyton, former CEO of the YMCA of Montclair for 22 years; Carol Kearney, Assistant Program Director and beloved “Queen of Compassion” for over 30 years; and Bob Constable, Chair Emeritus of the YMCA of Montclair Board of Directors, on which he’s served since 1992.
 
Award-winning Actor Delroy Lindo, whose film, television and stage credits include Ransom, Gone in 60 Seconds, Get Shorty, The Cider House Rules, Chicago Code, Law & Order, Lackawanna Blues, A Raisin in the Sun and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, shared his own personal connection to the Y.  “As an actor, I am on the road quite a bit,” shared Lindo, “and wherever I stay, I seek out the local Y.  It’s one place that I can count on to be there for me, and I have seen for myself how important it is to others.”  “The Y has always been known for teaching honesty, compassion, respect, responsibility and courage, and they do that through incredible programs and incredible staff that are so committed to their respective communities”, added Lindo.  “I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know the staff right here in Montclair, and my son and I have participated in and benefitted from the aquatics programs. Any place that I feel is safe for my son, and one where he will learn and develop character and self confidence is one that I want to support, and this Y is that place for me.”
 
With more than $146,000 raised, as a first time effort, the selected committee members were the right pick!  Unlike most committee work of 20% of the people do 80% of the work, this committee all pitched in tremendously and everything was wonderfully elegant through their generosity, vision and creativity.  The top seven sponsors donated $80,000; Investors Bank, an anonymous donor, Heidi Daus Designs, Brookdale ShopRite, Dermatology Group, Helen Geyer  and Mountainside Hospital.  Many thanks to all the sponsors, the guests of the evening and the staff and volunteers that made the Gala such a success.