"Party with a Purpose" to support YMCA of Dane County's charitable efforts

The Dane County YMCA is hosting ‘Party with a Purpose,’ an event bringing together local volunteers and families in need to celebrate the YMCA’s achievements in the last year. The event will be held at Smart Motors (5901 Odana Road) on Nov. 8, running from 6 to 9 p.m.

 “It is one of our major fundraisers, so it’s important to our mission in Dane County,” said Sharon Baldwin, Senior Director of Mission Advancement at YMCA of Dane County. “In 2013 we gave away over $700,000 in financial assistance to over five thousand kids and families in Wisconsin. We want to provide that assistance to those who need it most.”

The ticket prices range from $125 to $10,000, with proceeds going to the YMCA’s charitable programs. Baldwin said the goal is to provide up to sixty thousand dollars in funding for programs directed towards helping families receiving assistance.

Though this is a charity event, Baldwin assures that anyone going will enjoy themselves.

“I think the fun part of this event is because it is more or less of a party, and we get everyone who believes in the YMCA’s significance together, and really our purpose is to raise money so we can offer our services to those who need us,” Baldwin said. “But having everyone in one place who has a passion for the YMCA is extremely rewarding for all of us who work there.”

The Dane County chapter of YMCA has held an annual dinner as a major fundraiser since 2011, which was the 125th Anniversary of YMCA of Dane County, according to Baldwin. Previously known as ‘YMCA’s Healthy Living Dinner,’ this year is the first where the event will be called ‘Party with a Purpose.’

The event will be catered by Food Fight Restaurant Group, a Madison organization connecting local farmers and chefs to provide prepared meals using locally sourced food. Chris Swenson, Executive Chef of Steenbock’s on Orchard, will be providing different meals for guests to enjoy. Joey Connaughty, Managing Partner at Food Fight, said the event is exciting for not only guests, but for the chefs and farmers who attend.

“The event is a real cocktail party atmosphere,” said Connaughty. “We have some of the local purveyors there to talk to guests, to provide a one on one situation between guests and the people behind the food.”

Connaughty said the Madison East High School Jazz Band, The Accidentals, will be playing all night. Steve Goldberg, Executive Director of the CUNA Mutual Foundation, will be the keynote speaker. Additionally, a presentation will be held speaking about the community the YMCA brings to each individual.

“We have donors, volunteers, staff, kids, and families who are recipients,” said Baldwin. “You see business leaders, foundations, and people from all walks of life who collaborate and support the YMCA.”

“It’s a very upbeat, super social atmosphere,” said Connaughty. “We want the event to really evoke community by bringing in local centers, where you can talk to people, bring a sense of community which is exactly what we focus on at the YMCA.”