NEWS & UPDATES
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Posted on: Wednesday, January 11th, 2017

Legends Ball 2016 Impact

For all of us at our Y, our Legends events have become much more than fundraising opportunities. These events are a celebration of families and our success including individuals with disabilities into every aspect of our Hockomock Area YMCA experience.

Our 11th annual Legends Ball was held on Tuesday, November 15th at Lake Pearl in Wrentham and was an overwhelming success. Legends Ball is a signature event for our Y, and combined with our Legends Golf Classic in October, fund our Integration Initiative.

This year through the outpouring of generosity and support of our sponsors – including our presenting sponsor CVS Health – donors, legends, and attendees, we raised more funds than ever before.

Twelve years ago we identified a segment of our community that was not fully included at our Y. And the first thing we did was listen. Then we found ways to foster inclusion and convened many community partners together to address this critical need.

Then Peter Brock listened. And along with the Patriots Alumni Club provided the foundation for our Legends Ball. Years later this collaboration is much larger than the Legends Golf Classic and Legends Ball every fall. It has evolved into the fostering of life-long friendships among participants and their families with many former and current Patriots and other New England sports legends who come back year after year.

This was especially apparent during this year’s celebration and the commitment of our Legends Honoree Rob Ninkovich. We were all thrilled and proud to honor Rob for his character on and off the field.

Rob has had a great impact on the participants in our Initiative. So much so, that Peter Willis, who has grown up in the program, framed a photo of Rob and himself and autographed it for Rob, knowing how much he would appreciate the gift. The presentation of Peter’s gift was one of the many highlights of the evening.

While we certainly celebrate breaking fundraising records – translating into more kids with disabilities in our summer camps, in our aquatics and our afterschool programs – we also celebrate being part of these young men and women’s lives.

For all the young people in our Initiative and for all those that will follow, thank you for the incredible impact your support makes possible and for being part of our community stepping up to help our Integration Initiative families when they need us most.

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

From our November Integration Initiative Newsletter

Stay connected: check out our 2016 Legends facebook photo albums and give us a follow today.

• LEGENDS BALL – NOV 15, 2016
• LEGENDS GOLF – OCT 11, 2016

Below, watch the ABC 6 News coverage of our 2016 Legends Ball.

Posted on: Wednesday, December 28th, 2016

My Life Is Transformed

MEET ME AT THE Y. Where Lives Are Transformed.

Meet Stacy Kelley, who has really enjoyed her time at the Y. She became involved through our group exercise classes and one-on-one personal training. Her journey is inspiring because she talks about committing herself to the process and pushing herself outside of her comfort zone, working hard until things that didn’t come easily finally did! We think Stacy absolutely glows and are happy to have seen her network of friends grow here at the Y. One thing that is very special about Stacy is that she wants to improve the weight loss success of those around her. Stacy is currently a regular in our wellness centers and offers tips on working out, as well as nutrition advice to participants in our Weigh to Change program.

Stacy’s story is so much about how, at the Y, you become part of a community committed to helping you learn new things and make new friends at any stage of your life. In her words, “I went from avoiding any type of social interaction to embracing it.”

Stacy continues, “A year and half ago, I started my weight loss journey at the Y. I have lost 75 pounds and my life is transformed! I feel as though I have gained so much more through training, guidance and support from the Hockomock Area YMCA. I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible. I have regained control of my life.”

Below, please watch as Stacy shares the power of this transformation.

Posted on: Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Celebrate 10 Yrs of Theatre Excellence

On Saturday, October 29th, JOIN US!

We are hosting a special performance celebrating the past 10 years, in which a truly special youth theatre program has grown. The show will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Guidrey Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. Since 2006, our YMCA has produced over 55 musicals and 10 plays featuring full costume and professional sound/lights and dozens of concerts, showcases and cabarets.

Join us as past and present performers and original director, Andrea Champagne, return to the local stage. All ages will be tapping their toes and singing along as highlights from the past decade come alive on stage. “We are excited to reunite with some of the over 600 families that have been part of our theatre community,” says Heather Utsler-Smith, the current performing arts director at our Mansfield YMCA Arts & Education Center.

A survey of alumni was used to help select numbers for the upcoming anniversary show, which will feature 20 songs, piano accompaniment, karaoke tracks, and high school and college students playing drums, guitar, and bass. The show will open with You’ve Never Had a Friend Like Me from Aladdin, the troupe’s first ever full production number. Other numbers include Consider Yourself (Oliver), songs from The Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music, and more.

The Theatre Institute, added in 2013 to provide high quality theatrical education to high school students, will also be featured. The Institute prepares students for collegiate theatre programs and the foundational skills and experiences in the arts that they receive will be highlighted in songs from past shows including Little Women, The Wedding Singer, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

“It’s a great time to celebrate the quality and quantity of shows that we are able to put up every year,” says Utsler-Smith, noting that the Hockomock Y serves families in 15 communities and with 10-12 full productions per year, the opportunity to include youth is impactful. “We have created a special community because the YMCA is intentional about including students of all abilities. Anyone can audition and then be welcomed on stage.” Thank you to those who make this event possible. Your support of Hockomock Area YMCA Teen Programming and Outreach is sincerely appreciated.

We wish to thank staff and former participants involved in these successes. Recognition will be given at the performance to Mansfield Bank, the Marilyn Rodman Theatre for Kids Program, and Dean College for their commitment to our Theatre program.

PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY!

Time for a Memory
I plan to pursue theatrical arts in college and I attribute my aspirations to this program; Andrea, for introducing me to the world of theater, and Heather, for pushing me beyond my limits and believing in me enough to give me challenges. This theater company has allowed me to develop genuine relationships with others. I have met some of my best friends and role models throughout these 10 years. In a world where communication happens mainly in front of a screen, theater and live performance matters; it brings people together.– Maddie

The cost for tickets is $25 adults; $20 students; $10 youth ages 12 and under. To purchase advance tickets, click here. Tickets will also be available at the door on 10/29.