ASHEBORO, NC –The annual Randolph-Asheboro YMCA fundraising gala, a night of dinner, dancing, auctions, and fundraisers, was held Friday night at Pinewood Country Club. This year’s theme was Kentucky Derby and included a musical chairs horse race in keeping with the theme. Several of the event’s sponsors took part in the race that featured locals holding stick horses as DJ Gary Hunt controlled the traditional musical chairs format. Ultimately, the contest came down to a duel between Asheboro Mayor David Smith and Asheboro City Schools teacher Laura King. King took the final chair to win the race.
The gala, a semi-formal affair with a primary goal of fundraising for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs, succeeded in raising an impressive $87,029.
The event, co-chaired by Nicki Hill and Betsy Wittenberg, garnered support from 84 local sponsors, including gold sponsors Asheboro Auto Mall, Asheboro Junior Women’s Club, First Bank, Pam Hill, Clerk of Court, Bill & Ann Hoover, Martha Comer Luck Johnson, Jack & Betty Lail, McRae Roofing, Inc., and Randolph Record.
“What an incredible evening for an incredible cause,” said Wittenberg. “The funds raised will allow the Randolph Asheboro YMCA to continue to impact our community and the lives of so many people.”
The gala is one of the YMCA’s largest fundraising events to fund activities and expansion. The funds raised are earmarked for enhancing the YMCA’s programs and services, and garnered financial support from 84 local sponsors, including local businesses, non-profits and individuals.
“Our amazing community came together for the Derby party to support our amazing YMCA,” said co-chair Nicki Hill. “I am so proud to live in such a wonderful place where the people we live with and do business with are so ready to make our town and organizations a better place to be around. I was honored to chair this event and cannot wait to make next year’s event even more memorable.”
Attendees at the event were dressed in Kentucky Derby attire, including fancy hats, bright colors and various Derby themed props and accessories. The event included competitions for best hats and a live auction.
“A special thank you to our generous sponsors and donors who helped to make our mission come to life each and every day, thank you to the Y dinner and dance committee members, Patrick O’Hara, and his staff,” said Wittenberg. “This event would not be possible without all their hard work and dedication.”
