Men and women descended upon the Wood River YMCA Saturday not to work out or take a class, but to make sizable donations at the facility's annual Golf Classic and Dinner Social. Under a big white tent in the Ketchum YMCA's parking lot, the future home of the YMCA ice rink, well-heeled men and women gathered for dinner and entertainment by the Rock Bottom Remainders.
More than 300 patrons attended the evening's event. Many YMCA Dinner Social attendees also attended the annual Golf Classic earlier in the day. (Refer to results of the 2009 annual Golf Classic on Page B7.)
This year's fundraising event brought in more than $500,000 to support the YMCA. Auction lots included the opportunity to meet Clint Eastwood at his next movie premiere, trips to France, Napa, Australia, Wimbledon, Mexico and Arizona, as well as his and hers Rolex watches and other unique items.
"All the money goes to the YMCA scholarship fund and its Open Doors program," said associate director Jason Fry. "We are trying to do more than ever because members need more assistance. People have lost jobs, and they don't want to quit the Y."
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Fry said the current recession is a strain on many members, and the YMCA needs the fund-raising effort for its scholarship fund.
The YMCA has raised more money than last year, but the scholarship fund needs a total of $600,000. Fry said the goal is close to being met. The organization hopes to raise another $100,000 through a membership campaign fundraising drive.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
