Youngstown YMCA begins 2014 fundraising campaign

BOARDMAN — The kickoff of the YMCA of Youngstown’s annual fundraising campaign, a campaign party, is at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at The Georgetown, 5945 South Ave.

The public is invited to the event, which includes a gourmet buffet, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and dancing to live entertainment provided by 2nd Avenue Project.

Thomas Gacse, chairman of the YMCA’s 2014 campaign, said the event was created to raise funds to provide financial assistance to underprivileged youth, families and individuals for membership and/or program fees.

“Every year, the annual campaign gives the YMCA the opportunity to help thousands in our community,” said Gacse.

In 2013, campaign donations totaled more than $550,000 and made possible more than $1 million in scholarships to about 3,000 families and individuals, YMCA officials said.