Gala to sustain community programs

The Manor House in Mason will be the site of the Countryside YMCA’s annual Caring for Families Gala, A Night to Change Lives on Saturday, March 10. In its 40th anniversary year, Countryside YMCA uses this annual gala and fundraising campaign to sustain vital Warren County community programs that would otherwise be impossible.

The welcoming reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m., and silent and live auctions following. This year guests have the option of bidding from their phones and even remotely. Many valuable prizes can be claimed, including Hilton Head vacations, an African photo safari, commercial-grade fitness equipment, and four hopper passes to Disney World, and so much more.

Countryside YMCA has also reached out into the community to begin a preschool program in two Warren County Section 8 housing locations. The programs prepare children for kindergarten learning and are aimed at improving literacy among underserved populations. The program has also received support from foundation and corporate grants, and from personal contributions.

Another program, Blessed Respite, gives parents of special needs children an evening out while the children have fun activities at the YMCA.

This year the Y is offering a special discount for those who buy tickets by Saturday. For information, call 513-932-1424, ext. 115.