CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — There's no place like the Y!
We spoke with the YMCA of the Coastal Bend ahead of its 85th Anniversary & Youth Benefit, a fundraising event set in the world of “The Wizard of Oz."
The event will take place Wednesday, March 27, at the Ed Rachel HEB Home at 3700 Ocean Drive.
Gwen Ruppert, interim CEO of the YMCA and Victoria Sookiasian joined us on First Edition with details on their upcoming night and how you can help them continue their youth programming while also having fun.
Ruppert said that these fundraisers are important to helping the organization continue to support the community, and even brought along newspaper clippings and a copy of the original charter title.
"The YMCA was chartered way back in 1939- the same year the Wizard of Oz came out," said the interim CEO. "Whenever these gentlemen came together way back in 1939, they had the same mission we still do today- to have great youth programming at the YMCA, and they needed to get the community involved and have fundraisers, and that's exactly what this night is all about."
Sookiasian and Ruppert say guests are encouraged to embrace the Wizard of Oz theme by donning red shoes or Oz-inspired attire. Prizes will even be awarded to the best-dressed attendees.
Additionally, guests can participate in party games with prizes, a silent auction and a live auction. Rupert says they are still looking for sponsors to contribute to the fundraiser.
"We're not going to turn anything away, because we remove all barriers at the YMCA."
Sookiasian said the fundraiser will also serve as a chance to honor local community members with their Annual Spirit Award. The award is designed to recognize those who have overcome obstacles in their life and inspired others. Miller High School's Coach John Wimbish and Mr. Jesus Lejas are set to be award recipients.
For more information, you can visit the link here, or call 361-239-0031.
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