YMCA Annual Auction Gala

#mvymcaSTRONG Auction
Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who donated, attended and supported our #mvymcaSTRONG Auction Gala! It was a wonderful evening of friendship and fundraising in support of youth and teens at the Merrimack Valley YMCA. With the help of those who attended and bid in our auction, we were able to raise over $140,000 to fund youth development programs such as Teen Achievers, Yo Puedo, Outdoor Education, swim lessons and more. These programs offer young people in our community the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Lawrence Y staff member and 11th grader Divine Martinez told auction attendees that she has learned a lot about food insecurity by volunteering in the food pantry. Along with volunteering, Divine works as a lifeguard and mentor in teen programs.

“I volunteer in the food pantry by packing groceries and helping to hand them out on Thursdays,” Lawrence 8th grader Leanette Pichardo told our auction attendees.  “This makes me feel really happy that I can help my community.  I also participate in Teen Achievers and through this program, I get meals every day. I am also able to bring food home to my family.” She added,

“If it weren’t for Teen Achievers, I would not be where I am today. I certainly would not be making this speech. Teen Achievers and the food programs help me be my best self.”

This year we introduced a new component to our auction, asking guests to raise their bidder cards to fund nutritious meals and snacks for youth and teens through our food programs. If you were unable to bid during our auction, you can still support this effort by making a donation by clicking the button below or contacting Angela Stewart at astewart@mvymca.org.

In addition to thanking our generous donors and guests, we would like to thank the auction committee and special guest hosts, Matt and Danielle Noyes for sharing their time and talents with the Y.