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Date: 11/4/2021
HOLYOKE – The Greater Holyoke YMCA’s second annual Party with a Purpose FUNdraiser event will take place on Dec. 4 from 6 -11 p.m. at the Holyoke Elks Lodge on 250 Whitney Ave. There will be a live auction and raffle as well as live entertainment from pop/rock and roll band Off the Record performing tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
“We kicked off this event in 2019,” said CEO Kathy Viens of Greater Holyoke YMCA. “With COVID and the health conditions and risks that were in the area, we made the decision to keep people safe and not run an in-person event in 2020. However, we are bringing it back for 2021.”
She continued, “We came up with this event because we wanted to give people in Holyoke and surrounding communities a chance to understand who we are, support us and come out and have a good time all at the same time. It’s a fundraiser and it’s the funds we raise go to help support the children and family programs we offer because anyone who comes to the Y is welcomed regardless of their financial position.”
The Greater Holyoke YMCA was established in 1886. Located on 171 Pine St., it’s a non-for-profit community service organization helping residents achieve their fullest potential. Some of the services they provide include: early childhood education, before and after school child care, health and wellness activities for people of all ages, aquatic programs and youth and team sports along with focused work on community integrated health. This year, Viens said they would love to raise $20,000 for the fundraiser. If there is a mask mandate in Holyoke, the YMCA will continue to require people to wear masks at the event.
“My hope for this event would be that the Greater Holyoke community understands our needs and understands that for us to be here today and tomorrow and to be able to continue to have our doors opens; that they will support us and see the value of supporting us,” Viens replied. “Long term for us is really about continuing to be able to identify and meet the needs of the people in the community.”
For those who want to donate, go to holyokeymca.org where there is a donate button on their website. They can also either call 534-5631 or mail their donation. Tickets can be purchased through www.eventbrite.com using keywords: Holyoke YMCA Party With A Purpose. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Purchase tickets before Nov. 1 using coupon code “HOLYOKE YMCA” and receive $5 off the ticket price.