Okay, so the Owl sometimes receives press releases from neighboring towns and then randomly decides if she feels like posting them or no. Oh, just kidding, I usually post them. I just want to warn my readers that this is in NEWTON not Weston. Newton is a crazy place–I have always wanted to write a fable about the seven villages of the Newton. And the fact that their school system is HUUUUGGGEEE: I just read there are 11,717 students (October 2022) enrolled in fifteen elementary schools (K-5), four middle schools (6-8),  and two high schools (plus two “alternative” high schools). 11,717!!! That is the population of Weston going to public schools. Amazing. Anyway they have two YMCA facilities, and you can attend their gala at the new one. Here’s the official presser:

The West Suburban YMCA will host its Annual Gala on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at the new Wells Ave Y that will showcase the new facility while raising vital funds that support the nonprofit organization’s many programs and services. A limited number of tickets are still available.

The West Suburban YMCA opened the new Wells Ave Y branch in Newton on December 15, 2022. The second location expands recreation, health, and fitness offerings to Newton residents on the south side of the city and beyond. The completely renovated, 61,000-square-foot facility includes a 24,000-square-foot gymnasium that will be transformed into a dramatic and mysterious set to match this year’s gala theme: A Wicked Affair. “

This year’s event will be a showstopper at our brand-new Wells Ave Y,” said Jack Fucci, President and CEO of the West Suburban YMCA. “We are excited to show our new facility as we celebrate our achievements and come together for our largest fundraising event of the year to support our mission.” The Y has set a $100,000 fundraising goal for the 2023 gala. Guests are encouraged to dress with a dramatic flair to match the moody and mysterious “A Wicked Affair” theme.

The Y is celebrating its new facility and exponential growth, allowing its impact to be greater than ever. Proceeds from the event will support the Y’s Annual Fund, which enables members and participants of all ages to grow and thrive at the Y. NBC Boston sports commentator Michael Holley, a longtime Y supporter, will emcee the evening. The evening includes a cocktail hour, dinner, roaming entertainment acts, live music, and auction and prizes.

This year’s gala band is the Passive Aggressives, a cover band that plays 7 decades of rock and pop, made up of Newton dads and friends of the Y.

The event was organized by a Gala Committee composed of Merryl Appelbaum, Karen Bogard, Kristina Carroll, Emily Flynn, Gloria Gavris, Andy Gluck, Annie Greene, Martha Hanlon, Pam Haslam, Cindy Laughrea, Becky Manley, Donna Manley, Andrea Newman, Sara Pollock DeMedeiros, Carol Stolze and Heather Sundram. Sponsors include Calare Properties, Commodore Builders, Boston College, Dedham Savings, Deloitte, Eastern Bank, M&T Bank, Mass General Brigham, The Village Bank, AAF CPA’s, Dwell 360 Real Estate, Lee & Gloria Gavris, Honda Village, The Gluck Family, The RMR Group, Triple Eight Distillery, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Dion’s Fine Wine, and Rivermoor Energy. For ticket and sponsorship details, visit https://www.wsymca.org/support-the-y/annual-gala.

About the West Suburban YMCA:

The West Suburban YMCA is a charitable nonprofit organization that has been a fixture in the Newton community for over 145 years. The Y is committed to strengthening the foundations of the community by supporting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Learn more at WSYMCA.org. ###