Tickets to the event at The Georgetown are $50 in advance/$75 at the door

The Youngstown YMCA kicks off 2014 financial campaign

Staff report

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.

In addition to money raised through major events like the kickoff party and a Spin-A-Thon, member and public events at the Y’s branches help bring in significant donations.

Campaign volunteers will also be in the community seeking donations from individuals and businesses.

Tickets for the annual campaign party, $50 in advance and $75 at the door, can be purchased at the Davis Y, the Central Y, or online at www.youngstownymca.org. Contact Janice JanJanin at 330-503-9437 for information.

Youngstown YMCA facilities are Camp Fitch, 12600 Abels Road, North Springfield, Pa., in Erie County, Pa.; Central Branch, 17 N. Champion St., downtown Youngstown; and the D.D. & Velma Davis Family YMCA, 45 McClurg Road, Boardman.