35th Annual Auction Gala Supports Youth Development
ANDOVER – The Merrimack Valley YMCA hosted its 35th annual auction gala on Friday, September 25, celebrating with 330 supporters and friends while raising more than $210,000 to fund youth development programs.
Naisha Del Rosario, a Lawrence native and freshman at the Pingree School, shared her experience as part of the Lawrence YMCA’s Adelante Scholars Program. During her eighth grade year, the Adelante Scholars Program not only opened the door to attending an elite private school like Pingree, but it also made that dream a reality through scholarship and financial aid support.
“I am so fortunate to be able to be up here today, not only as a first-generation immigrant but also as the first in my family to attend a prestigious preparatory school,” Del Rosario said. “Being part of Adelante brought me so many opportunities, both academically and socially. I know I only got to make lifelong friends and build my connections, but I also had the chance to explore different high school programs, ensuring that the school I ended up at was the right fit for me. Supporting the Adelante program is not only an investment in young kids to get the education they deserve, but an investment in the future—doctors, teachers, lawyers, police officers, detectives, like myself.”
Justin Aguirre, executive producer and co-host of Billy and Lisa in the Morning on KISS 108 served as the emcee and auctioneer at the event, which was held at the Andover Country Club. In addition to the live and silent auction, guests enjoyed live string music from youth musicians with the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras.
The Merrimack Valley YMCA’s gala raises money to support youth development programs in Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, North Andover and across three summer camps in New Hampshire. The YMCA serves more than 700 children daily in its child care and after school programs, provides teen leadership and educational enrichment throughout the year, and enables youth to experience the joys of summer camp.
Thank you to our event sponsors including: Watts Water Technologies, Rockland Trust, PayComm, Howe Insurance, Pfizer, Knollmeyer Building Corp and Greylock Roofing, Borislow Insurance, Pentucket Bank, Bagnall Family Dentistry, Prestige Security Solutions, Reading Cooperative Bank, OneDigital, The Institution for Savings, Excel Facility, and Honorato Construction.
Photos By Chirp Photo Studio.
