West Suburban YMCA’s Country for a Cause Gala Raises Record-Breaking $191,500
The West Suburban YMCA (WSYMCA)’s 2025 Annual Gala, Country for a Cause – An Evening of Western Charm, brought the community together for a lively, heartfelt, and record-setting night of celebration and generosity. Held on Saturday, October 25 at the Wells Avenue YMCA, the event drew over 200 attendees, including Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, and raised a record-breaking $191,500—far surpassing the gala’s $160,000 fundraising goal. This marks the highest fundraising total in the event’s history.
From start to finish, the evening was filled with energy, fun, and connection. Guests enjoyed live country music by Country Wild Heart, line dancing, and a spirited raffle and silent auction featuring exclusive experiences like a Kentucky bourbon trail getaway, private chef dinner parties, and courtside Boston Celtics tickets.
Emmy Award-winning journalist Joyce Kulhawik served as the evening’s emcee, engaging the crowd with warmth, humor, and enthusiasm. One of the night’s most moving moments came from a Camp Frank A. Day counselor, who shared their inspiring journey from camper to staff member—and how the Y’s financial assistance program made it all possible. Their story received a standing ovation and set the tone for a record-breaking Fund-a-Need paddle raise, further boosted by a generous matching gift from an anonymous donor.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of our sponsors, donors, and guests,” said Jack Fucci, President and CEO of the West Suburban YMCA. “This year’s gala truly captured the spirit of the Y—bringing people together, celebrating community, and making a difference in the lives of others. Achieving our highest fundraising total ever is a testament to the shared commitment our community has for supporting the Y’s mission.”
View photos from the WSYMCA 2025 Annual Gala on Facebook
The Y also extends special thanks to its 2025 Gala Sponsors:
- Gold Sponsor: Calare Properties
- Silver Sponsors: Boston College, Dedham Savings, M&T Bank, Precor, and The Village Bank
- Bronze Sponsors: Commodore Builders, Dwell360 Real Estate, Eastern Bank, Gloria Gavris, The Gluck Family, Honda Village, Ned & Gretchen Morse, Schlesinger and Buchbinder, LLP, Daniel & Jessica Schmitz, The Manley Sullivan Family, and William James College
- Take Home Gift Sponsor: Ieraci
A heartfelt thank you goes to the 2025 Gala Committee members for their dedication and hard work in making the evening a success: Kristina Carroll, Eloise Coupey, Emily Flynn, Gloria Gavris, Andy Gluck, Annie Greene, Rosemary Hinteregger, Ed Johnston, Cindy Laughrea, Al Mangini, Becky Manley, Donna Manley, Ashley Murphy, Andrea Newman, Rhonda Orkin, Paul Pasquarosa, Sara Pollock DeMedeiros, Joe Prestejohn, Brad Singer, and Heather Sundram.
The success of Country for a Cause marks another milestone for the West Suburban YMCA, continuing its legacy of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for all.
Your support can make a difference! It's not too late to donate to this amazing event! For more information about the West Suburban YMCA and its programs, including how to support or apply for financial assistance, visit wsymca.org/donate or contact Sara Pollock DeMedeiros at 617-244-6050.