Tuesday, May 23, 2006 10:44 PM CDT
YMCA May Merriment fundraiser nets third highest total
By NATHANIEL WEST, Staff Writer
CHARLESTON -- What do a plasma TV, inflatable waterslide and helicopter ride have in common?
According to officials with the Mattoon Area Family YMCA, these are among the items that showed the generosity of community residents during the YMCA’s May Merriment dinner and auction fundraiser on Saturday, which netted one of the largest totals in the history of the annual event.
And organizers reserved kudos not only for those who bid on auction items, but also those who donated those items, their cash or simply their time to facilitate the May Merriment.
“I’m always overwhelmed, both by their time and their generosity,” said Chuck Hickey, president of the local YMCA board of directors.
Michael Wall, YMCA director, reported Saturday’s event at Eastern Illinois University’s Grand Ballroom netted $64,432 -- the third-highest amount in the 12 years of May Merriment.
“That’s an excellent testimonial of the generosity of the community,” said Wall.
The net total included proceeds from silent and live auctions, ticket sales and cash donations, as well as $8,400 from the “chairman’s appeal” auction for those who could not otherwise afford YMCA services.
“People gave (as part of the chairman’s appeal) to underwrite program development and scholarship assistance, which is phenomenal,” said Wall.
Among the traditional (and not-so-traditional) auction items were:
n A 42-inch plasma screen television, which sold for $3,000.
n A dinner for two to the Firefly Grill in Effingham and a ride there in the Rural King helicopter, which was awarded for a bid of $1,900.
n A 19-foot inflatable “Six Flags” waterslide and pool, which went for $400.
n A Chicago hotel stay and day-spa gift certificate, which garnered a $550 bid.
Proceeds from May Merriment will go toward program development and debt retirement, along with the chairman’s appeal funds for the needy, according to Wall.
There were 325 people registered for the dinner and auction, while about 50 volunteers signed up to staff the event, said Wall. The board of directors chaired the auction and solicited donations.
“They dedicated endless amounts of hours,” Wall said. “We couldn’t pull this off without the board, the volunteers, our staff, the people who donated the items and people who purchased the items.”
Board members praised all of the various participants.
“We had a lot of fun, and we raised a lot of money for a very worthy cause,” said Michele Lensink, member of the YMCA executive board. “It’s a very generous community, and we’re very grateful for those who were able to participate in the event.”
Contact Nathaniel West at nwest@jg-tc.com or 238-6860.
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