Fresh off the heels of musical performances downtown and a handful of others incoming, the Jefferson City area YMCA is hosting its own fundraiser night of music and food Saturday to benefit the YMCA Summer Camp.
This year marks the first time the Y is holding a fundraiser for the camp, said Shelly Poire, director of development and marketing. Partially in response to COVID-19, Poire said the Y is “changing up some of their fundraising efforts in order to meet the needs of everyone in the community.”
“And, we think people are probably ready to get outside and have a good time,” she added.
Gates for the event will open at 3:30 p.m. at 63 Diamonds Sports Complex, and food and drinks will be available for purchase from food trucks Pizza Kwik, 2 Odd Dawgs and Rebel Tacos. Live music will begin at 4:30 p.m. and run until 8:30-9 p.m, with Forrest McCurren and the Daily Special starting off the night, and The Cherry Pistols and The Dave Baker Band playing alternating sets into the evening.
“We’re going to have great music, great food and we have games — cornhole, football, spikeball. We’re also going to have tables and chairs for people to sit at if they get something to eat,” Poire said. Attendees are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.
Saturday’s ticket sales will be pooled into the Y’s Outreach Program funds to support families who cannot afford the normal costs of summer camp, Poire said.
The Y’s summer camp is open to children entering kindergarten up to sixth grade. It’s held June 7-Aug. 13 this year, from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Total weekly fees can reach up to $120 for non-members, according to registration details on jcymca.org.
“Each year, we have at least 100 — if not more — kids who need assistance to go. The plan is to use this money to help them be able to afford it,” she said.
More than just a fun night out with friends and live music, Poire wants those attending Saturday to know they’re “helping kids in the community” throughout the summer, especially as parents may be faced with the ultimatum of working and leaving children home alone or staying home and losing out on job opportunities.
“That’s really our hope, that people see that need and realize they’re helping out,” she said.
Currently, Poire said they’re expecting around 300 people with presales; the space can comfortably fit around 600 with parking taken into mind, she said.
Tickets are $20 for ages 16 and older, or $10 for ages 6-15, and can be purchased at the gate; they can also be purchased at three YMCA locations prior to Saturday: Firley Y (525 Ellis Blvd.), Knowles Y (424 Stadium Blvd.) or the West Y (3507 Amazonas Drive). Admission for children 5 and younger is free.