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New Canaan Y's Gala Celebrates 63 Years Of Service To Community

NEW CANAAN, Conn. -- The New Canaan YMCA will host its first gala fundraiser in over 12 years on April 29 to celebrate its 63 years of service to the community, as well as its soon-to-be-completed renovated facility. Proceeds from the event will support the Y and its dedication to strengthening the community.

Representatives from the New Canaan YMCA gala committee to work out plans for the event, which will be held on April 29.

Representatives from the New Canaan YMCA gala committee to work out plans for the event, which will be held on April 29.

Photo Credit: Contributed

On April 29, the lawn behind Waveny Mansion will be elegantly tented and transformed into a chic Saint Barths setting. In celebration of both the Y’s strong past and bright future, approximately 400 guests are expected to attend the event, enjoying cocktails, dinner, and dancing.

Led by chairs, Kelly DeFrancesco and April Kaynor, in addition to Honorary Chair, Kristin Selvala, this community celebration is being organized by over 75 dedicated community members, including Executive Committee members Amanda Carter, Mimi Gammill, Leah Kittredge, Tucker Murphy, Pam Norton, and Lisa Richardson.

Co-chair April Kaynor commented, “Kelly and I are thrilled to be chairing this event. As realtors in town, we are constantly bragging about New Canaan’s special Y to potential new residents,'' Kaynor said. "It’s the place where people of all ages connect — from young families to old friends, the Y is part of what makes our community so special and deserves our support so that it can continue to serve our community for years to come.”

DeFrancesco added: “We are so proud to be working with such a dedicated and inspiring committee. The evening is going to be a truly special community event, featuring the catering talents of Marcia Selden, high-energy entertainment from our live band, ETA, plus a special performance from the always impressive School of Rock during cocktail hour. We would also like to thank the Parks and Recreation Commission and Steve Benko for their support. They have been great partners in making our beautiful venue at Waveny Park possible.”

All proceeds from the event will benefit the New Canaan YMCA. Honorary Chair and Y Board member, Kristin Selvala, added, “For over 60 years, the Y has focused on supporting the New Canaan community by making all people—regardless of age or ability—feel welcome, and by providing opportunities for people to stay active, healthy, and happy. The Y helps families strengthen connections, opens its doors in times of need, and provides a unique setting where different generations come together. As the needs of our community have evolved, so have the facilities and offerings of the Y, and this recent renovation presents a very exciting chapter for the Y and our community.”

Event attendees will have the opportunity to further support the Y through a live auction, including an exclusive Saint Barths experience, plus a unique mystery gift offering. For $100 guests may select a wrapped gift from one of three categories - Wine, Dine, & Shine. Bottles of wine will have a minimum value of $30 and Dine and Shine (jewelry and beauty) will have a minimum value of $50. Each category will feature a few “super prizes,” too.

Supporters of the event include gift bag sponsor, William Raveis Real Estate, print sponsor, Serendipity Magazine, plus A.P Construction & the Ashforth Family, C. Alec and Sarah Casey, the Cioffi Family, Kelly and Dan DeFrancesco, Marie and Richard Holahan, Michelle and Jeffrey Jacob, April and Bobby Kaynor, the Karp Family, Dan and Leah Kittredge, Susan and John McDonough, Pam and David Norton, M.E. and Chris O’Connor, the Pohle Family, Kristin and Rick Selvala, Kathleen Auda and Peter Skaperdas, Stamford Health, and Carol and Jean-Paul Valles.

Individual ticket prices range from $250-$1,000 and table prices range from $5,000 to $25,000 featuring varying recognition opportunities. Sponsorship and program advertising options are available as well. The New Canaan YMCA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Contributions in excess of $114.00 per guest and contributions in lieu of attendance are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Guests and sponsors are asked to RSVP by March 31 to ensure inclusion in print materials. To learn more or reserve a ticket, table, or program ad, visit www.newcanaanymca.org/stbarths or contact Kristina Barrett at 203-920-1654 or kbarrett@newcanaanymca.org.  

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