If anyone knows how to put the fun into fundraiser it is the YMCA. For the fourth year in a row, the Duneland community YMCA hosted their “Dancing Like the Stars” dinner to raise money for their organization. On November 7th, 2015 their Great Gatsby theme took patrons back to the roaring 20s, amidst good food, great music, and an unparalleled sense of community kinship.
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The festivities began with an hour and a half of mingling with neighbors and competing with them for silent auction items. Later in the night was a series of live auctions as well.
YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda said that one hundred percent of the night's proceeds would go back to the Duneland community. The money ensures that low-income people in the area are still given access to the services the Y provides.
It took months of planning and a lot of hard work to make Dancing Like the Stars happen.
“This doesn’t happen in a lot of communities,” said Kasarda. “The outpour of support, of volunteers… on our side of the road it is very humbling to see people come out on a Saturday night to support us. When you surround yourself with great people, great things happen.”
“There are so many people that the Y services,” said Auction Committee Chair Kathy Harris, “and so many that would not be without this support. The YMCA is an amazing, safe, enriching place for our community.”
The dancers themselves were eager to pitch in and help the YMCA. Loree Hanas of Porter Memorial Hospital says “yes to anything charity. It brings us together for a common cause. I am a strong supporter of the community.”
Lorna Marcus, of First National Bank, said she is “a big supporter of the YMCA. I love to help the community out whenever I get the chance. The people of the Y are such loving, dedicated people.”
The eight competitive dances were bookended by professional performances. Mixed in with the competition were the live auctions, team spirit celebrations, and a video about the History of the YMCA made by Ideas in Motion Media.
The judges awarded their prize to teacher Lindsay Trout. Awards were also given for team spirit, most money raised, and people’s choice.
The People numbered over six hundred, a new record for the annual event. Tim Harris, 2015 Campaign Chair, said the money raised “is going to enhance the Y’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of the people they serve.”