The YMCA of Callaway County, which was established in 1990, will celebrate its 25th year in the Callaway community during its annual dinner and auction March 7.
All of the dinner and auction's proceeds go to the YMCA's outreach and financial assistance programs. Sara McDaniel, YMCA of Callaway County COO, said the YMCA offers financial assistance to cover up to 90 percent of the membership or program fee for those who need it.
"A family can have a membership for under $5 for a month and we feel like that's important for us to offer to the community to open up our facility and what we are able to offer," McDaniel said.
In 2014, the YMCA provided financial assistance to a little more than 800 members, totaling more than $40,000 for the year. That financial assistance aided those members in attending YMCA programs and assisted with monthly membership fees.
YMCA membership dues do not contribute to the outreach and financial assistance programs.
While the annual dinner and auction is the only fundraising the YMCA does for its financial assistance program, the organization does not place a cap on the number of applicants who apply for financial assistance.
"We'll raise a certain amount at the auction, but we don't ever cap our financial assistance program," McDaniel said. "We are able to serve all of those who come and fill out that application."
The dinner and auction will serve as a kickoff to the YMCA's anniversary celebration. At the event, the YMCA will show a video which highlights members who benefit from the Y's financial assistance program.
The YMCA will also do something for its members every month, including offering free classes, holding drawings for fitness equipment and other activities.
"We are celebrating our 25th year. We have some events planned each month for the rest of the year," McDaniel said. " This is to highlight what we've been able to provide in the community and to keep our members excited about the future for the YMCA in Callaway County."
Last year's dinner and auction raised more than $35,000 for YMCA outreach and financial assistance programs.
This year, the event will be from 5:30 to 10 p.m. March 7 at the YMCA, located at 1715 Wood Street in Fulton. The Hatton Extension Club will supply dinner, N.H. Scheppers Distributing is donating the cocktails and there will be music by Colossal Sounds. With dinner, there will be a silent and live auction, which will feature St. Louis Cardinals tickets, themed baskets, tickets to local and state attractions as well as other items.
The event is open to all community members. Individual dinner tickets cost $50. To sponsor a table of six the cost is $360 and to sponsor a table of eight the cost is $480.