Bow Ties and Blue Jeans: A Gala for Community Change

The Bow Ties and Blue Jeans Gala, an event filled with community spirit and dedication to service, is set to take place on April 24th at the Wiltwick Golf Club in Kingston. Hosted by the YMCA of Kingston, this event aims to honor those making significant impacts in the community, support local programs, and raise funds for scholarships that benefit youth development.

Honoring Community Leaders

Heidi Kirschner, the President and CEO of the YMCA of Kingston, emphasizes the dual purpose of the gala: to honor community heroes and to raise funds for the YMCA's Strong Kids Scholarship Fund. This scholarship supports local youth, giving them access to camps and various programs. "You only see the surface of a person's life when you're kind of going through the selection process, but then when you take that deeper dive and see all the things they do, it's inspirational,” she noted.

Among the honorees is Tony Marmo, a past district governor and a pivotal figure in both the Rotary and the Italian American communities. Marmo's leadership and devotion to service have not gone unnoticed. As Heidi Kirschner points out, "Tony was the impetus of bow ties and blue jeans when he was on the board... it worked out really better than we expected."

The Essence of the Gala

The gala itself is designed to be a blend of formality and casual comfort, encouraging attendees to pair blue jeans with bow ties. This unique theme embodies the event's goal to create an atmosphere that's both distinguished and welcoming. Kirschner explained, "We wanted to pick something that was formal, yet not formal. The idea is to have people come to the event and be comfortable."

Joining the Celebration

Tickets for this wonderful evening include dinner and entertainment, priced at $100 each. Purchase your tickets online at ymcaulster.org or by phone at 845-338-3810.

The YMCA's Broader Mission

The YMCA of Kingston serves as a hub of activity and support, offering a wide variety of programs ranging from youth sports to senior fitness. The funds raised from the gala will contribute to these key services, ensuring that more children have access to enriching activities. As Tony Marmo, a staunch supporter of the YMCA, remarked, "It's a unique partnership and we hope to continue to do our part, our thing with the Y because they're such a great resource for our community."

Join the gala to celebrate those who make extraordinary contributions to the community, and support the YMCA in its mission to foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Become a part of this celebration, and in doing so, share in the vision for a brighter, more supportive community for all.

Listen to the Full Interview: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/bBkoD0zYpUb