The Warren County YMCA’s first fall session begins on Sept. 11th. CEO Sam Brooks is excited about the direction the facility is trending in, especially with the success of their new 24-hour fitness center. He says that wouldn’t be possible without the committed YMCA employees.
“I’d like to say they’re doing this because they’re getting filthy rich off the Y. That’s just not the case. They do it because they love the work. They love serving people, and we’re very blessed,” Brooks said.
Brooks and the YMCA have their largest fundraiser of the year coming up on Sept. 23rd; “Dancing for Dreams,” a dance fundraiser designed to fund programs and scholarships at the facility, will start at 5:00 p.m. at the Armoury in Monmouth. Brooks says the atmosphere is fun, and encourages dancers to not worry about judgment on their dancing skills.
“Even if you’re not dancing, but you’re just stepping to the dance – it’s all good,” he said. “How you ‘win’ is how much money you raise. That’s what has turned into the fun of it. That’s where the competition comes from.”
Ultimately, the goal for the Warren County YMCA is to never turn anybody away. Brooks is thankful for all the contributions that are made to assist the facility and this community to ensure everybody is able to make use of the Y.
“These contributions from other sources and the United Way help us to continue to be able to do that (sign kids up for memberships and programs). We will never turn anybody away for lack of ability to pay,” Brooks said.
Tickets for the event can be purchased from one of the eight dancers scheduled to dance, or at the YMCA. A silent auction and food will also be a part of the event.
written by Jackson Kane
