May 23, 2016 at 4:28 p.m.
Community supports YMCA at Denim and Diamonds Gala
Community supports YMCA at Denim and Diamonds Gala
By Kayla Thomason-
"I think it's a really fun theme," said Amy Ferguson, a first-time attendee. "The play on denim and diamonds, you've got some people here dressed head-to-toe in denim and then some dressed head-to-toe in their finest gear and they've got the baskets wrapped in denim and then they've got little diamonds strewn across the tables. I think it's just a really cute, clever, fun event."
Ferguson said she appreciated the versatility the event offers in regard to choice of attire, and the variety of auctions and raffle items available.
"I think it's a fabulous event," she said. "I think it's a great idea. There's a lot of fun parts to it with the different silent auctions, live auctions, the different raffles. It's just a great casual-but-make-it-fancy-if-you -want event for a really good cause."
Ferguson is an exuberant supporter of the YMCA.
"I have to admit, when I first joined the Y (four years ago) I didn't realize how many scholarships that they provided to people in our community, people who maybe can't afford it, but realizing the value that the Y provides to our community, I think hosting an event like this to fund those scholarships is just a great idea," she said.
Ferguson was hardly the one guest gushing with praise for the YMCA.
"It's obvious what the YMCA here in the Northwoods does for a lot of people locally, not only for providing a place for people to go and exercise and stay in shape, it's also a community center," said Shane Sparks, a member of the YMCA board of directors. "There's such a friendship and relationships that are built in that building that carry throughout the entire year, whether it's actually at the YMCA or outside here in the community."
Sparks and his wife, Elizabeth, have lived in Rhinelander for a year and have found a flexible way to balance exercise and family.
"For her (Elizabeth), I can tell you the YMCA has been a godsend for her and our family," Shane Sparks said.
"It's nice because they have the Adventure Alley for young kids to go to so parents can take their kids there while they workout," Elizabeth Sparks said. "It's been a really nice benefit to have."
Judy Pagano, long-time board member with the YMCA and chair of the Denim and Diamonds event, overheard positive comments about the event.
"So far, I have heard that the decorations are beautiful, the ambiance, and I think they are very happy to do a bit of theme dressing with Denim and Diamonds," she said, adding that she had seen few guys with rhinestone earings and people wearing denim with rhinestone pins.
The YMCA Support Campaign funds scholarships for people who can't afford to join the Y.
To apply for a scholarship, go to the front desk. Applicants are taken to a private room to fill out a form and talk about their finances.
"I would just encourage everyone to come check out the Y if they haven't, learn all the great benefits it provides our community," Ferguson said. "It's so much more than just a workout facility, it really does make Rhinelander a key place to live. It's a huge draw for this area and I would encourage everyone to check it out and come support it any way they can."
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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