Auction raises $50,000 for Strong Kids

Photos by THOMAS A. JOHNSTON II

An ambitious goal of raising $50,000 toward the Wolverine World Wide YMCA was reached with the support of generous donors and bidders, and those who benefit will be children from local families struggling financially.

The Wolverine World Wide YMCA Healthy Kids annual auction was held Friday, Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Wolverine World Wide headquarters in Rockford. The gala event included a silent and live auction and a cash bar. All proceeds will go to the Strong Kids campaign, dollars which will stay in the community as they allow membership for youth to enjoy sports, aquatics, child care and other YMCA benefits.

Photos by THOMAS A. JOHNSTON II

Dave Powers Sr., Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA Board member and owner of Cannonsburg Wood Products, chairs the auction committee. “We exceeded our goal of raising $50,000 for the Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA Strong Kids program and we are still counting donations that are coming in,” he stated. “We are thrilled with the results and grateful to all the generous donors for their contributions to the auction, the committee members, volunteers and staff who secured great auction items and managed this very fun event, and especially to those who purchased items or made a cash donation.”

Annually the Belmont YMCA goal for the Strong Kids campaign is $115,000 and total sponsorship to the community is $136,000. The YMCA has the goal of improving the health and well-being of children and adults and offers resource and guidance to bring families closer together and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests.