The Twin Pike Family YMCA held the 16th Annual Fundraising Dinner Auction last Saturday night at the YMCA facility in Louisiana, Missouri.  The event was the organization’s most successful fundraising event to date.  More than 170 guests attended this year’s annual event and more than $198,000 in support was raised for the YMCA and the Phase III Aquatics Center. 

The evening started off with the Silent Auction and a live performance by the local band DERT 4.  At the conclusion of the Silent Auction, Executive Director, Marsha Garrison, welcomed the guests in the gymnasium which had been transformed into a banquet hall for the evening.  Board President, Anne Vieira then spoke to the crowd, sharing information on the current status of fundraising efforts for the Phase III Aquatics Center.  She explained the specifics of the Pool Founders “First 500” campaign; a donor recognition program for the first 500 donors to commit to making a minimum donation of $1,000 toward the pool campaign. Vieira explained that this program will secure at least $500,000 in support for the pool project and invited attendees to consider becoming part of the program. 

Kent and Debbie Adams of Louisiana, Missouri stepped forward to be the first donors of the evening to sign up for the “First 500” campaign.  Their commitment was quickly met with a challenge from the John Wesley Chamberlain Foundation.  The Foundation challenged everyone in attendance, saying that they would match the total of the “First 500” commitments made during the evening.  The crowd response was overwhelming.  Garrison explained, “People in attendance then began filling out pledge forms to join the Pool Founders ‘First 500’ and the response was amazing.  People who were already members of the ‘First 500’ club stepped forward to make a second commitment, knowing that their donation would essentially be doubled with the Chamberlain’s match.” 

Jordan Perkins, a teenager attending the event with his parents, was the first of several young adults and area students that stepped forward to be part of the challenge.  Four teenagers (with their parents’ permission) made pledges to pay $16.68 a month over 60 months to meet the $1,000 commitment for the “First 500” club.  Garrison explained, “These kids were here volunteering as servers, and are teenagers who work at the Y.  For them to see the value of this project and how it will impact the quality of life for everyone in this area and make a commitment to become involved should motivate others to consider their ability to get behind this project.” 

By the night’s end, the crowd had pledged $89,300, which was then doubled by the foundation, raising a total of $178,600 toward the Phase III Aquatics Center project.  Garrison explained, “Essentially, we raised over $178,000 in four hours.  We have never done anything like this in the history of the Y.  Everyone involved, the Y staff, our volunteers and board members are amazed.  We couldn’t be happier with the event, especially in these tough economic times.” 

The evening culminated with the live auction.  Local auctioneer, John Wallace, volunteered his services again this year for the event.  The auction and dinner portion of the Y’s annual fundraiser, netted an estimated $20,000.  After all the expenses associated with the event are met, Garrison explained that the final total would be released to the public.   She commended the staff, board members and volunteers that worked so hard to make this event happen and thanked the donors for their support of the organization.  “We would not have experienced the growth and success that we have seen during the past fifteen years, if not for all the support of the area businesses and community members.”  She encourages anyone who is interested in participating in the Pool Founders “First 500” program to contact the YMCA at 573-754-4497.  She reminds everyone that donations to this project are tax deductible, as the YMCA is a not-for-profit organization with a 501©3 status.  Donations anticipated on being claimed on a 2010 tax  return, should be made prior to December 31, 2010.