Area residents and supporters of the Valparaiso Family YMCA descended upon the Porter County Expo Center this weekend to visit another dimension; a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of the imagination, a land of shadow and substance, of things and ideas. The signpost shown off of Hwy 49 welcomed visitors to their next stop - the YLight zone and the signature fundraising event of the year for the Valpo YMCA
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, with all monies raised going toward funding the Y to be able to provide the financial scholarships to help make sure that everyone who wants to come to the Y has a way to do so, regardless of their income,” said Tracey McElree, Senior Director of Advancement for the Valpo YMCA
Proceeds from the annual event go towards providing not just scholarship assistance, but also helps to fund programs that benefit those with disabilities, as well as helping to fund chronic disease programs and children’s swim programs.
The event consistently sells out, with over 400 people expected to attend this year. The theme this year was a play on the old Twilight Zone TV series, with abstract clocks, creepy decorations and even a black-and-white theme to echo the original tone of the series.
“It’s just something fun,” McElree said.
The event featured hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a DJ for entertainment. The evening kicked off with a Heads & Tails game, with the winner taking home a cool $500 cash. That led directly into a live auction where participants took turns bidding on items such as premium parking spots at the YMCA, a chartered trip to Nashville aboard a private jet, Southwest airline tickets with passes to Disneyworld, and even a barbecue picnic for up to twenty people.
Among the premier sponsors of the event were St. Mary Medical Center, who have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the Valpo YMCA.
Mary Sudicky, CFO for St. Mary Medical Center, said she feels the event is both a great fit and a very important example of the cooperation between her company and the Valpo YMCA.
“We have a wonderful partnership that allows us to offer on-site services at the Y so we can reach the community right where they’re at,” said Sudicky. “We have a nurse who provides services right there at the YMCA, as well as physical therapy right there on-site.”
Sudicky notes that this incredible partnership goes beyond the benefit to the community by also helping to carry out the mission of St. Mary Medical Center.
“The Y is well known for all the good they do for the community, from helping to provide child care to helping to ensure the health and wellness of our community, their goals align perfectly with those of St. Mary Medical Center,” said Sudicky.
Other sponsors of the event included NIPSCO, United Healthcare, TCU, BMO Harris Bank, UFS Corporation, and Wagner’s Ribs, with beverages sponsored by IBEW Local 531.
Matt and Crystal Soliday of Chesterton are long-time patrons of the Valparaiso YMCA and were the winners of the auction’s barbecue party.
“We won the barbecue last year, and again this year,” Matt was proud to say. “Last year, we rented out a shelter at Rogers-Lakewood Park, invited friends and family, and had the barbecue there.”
Crystal Soliday finds the YMCA to be a crucial resource.
“It’s all about community. The resources that they provide to people living in the area are invaluable,” Crystal said. “The Y is just an amazing place”
For more information about the Valpo Family YMCA, visit them online at https://www.valpoymca.org.
