VENTURA, CA – This year, the Ventura Family YMCA is hosting its 10th Annual Dinner and Auction Fundraiser, themed “California Cruising”, on the Scarlett Belle River Boat. The fundraiser will be held on October 4th from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Attendees will cruise through the beautiful Channel Islands Harbor while enjoying a wonderful dinner, great company and the chance to bid on amazing auction items. All of the proceeds from the evening will help to fund the “Open Doors” scholarship program which provides memberships, childcare, youth sports, camp and aquatics activities to those in need.

The “Open Doors” scholarship program, which assures that no one is turned away due to their inability to pay, is what separates the Y from being just an ordinary gym. The program provides seniors a place to make friends, children the ability to try new activities and individuals the opportunity to become stronger in spirit, mind and body, regardless of the financial status. This program makes the YMCA a place where everyone can belong.

With the economy’s downturn, the Ventura Family YMCA has made significant changes to ensure that participation and membership is available to everyone. With the elimination of membership join fees and an increase in the scholarships that are available, the YMCA is currently providing assistance to more 500 individuals and families in the area. In order to maintain the “Open Doors” program and ensure its success, the YMCA holds two main fundraisers throughout the year to help increase its scholarship capabilities and to make sure that it can keep up with the necessary demand as times get harder.

The 2008 California Cruisin’ fundraiser includes a wonderful evening with a “boat casual” atmosphere, live auctions, hors d’ oeuvres, dinner, dancing and entertainment, all while cruising the harbor. Tickets for the event are $125 per person with a portion of the ticket purchase being tax deductible. To purchase tickets online visit register.ciymca.org, using the keyword “California Cruising”, or contact Dana Ziegert at 805-642-2131 ext. 12, email: dana.ziegert@ciymca.org. For individuals who are unable to attend, but would like to donate to the “Open Doors” Program, checks can be made out to the Ventura Family YMCA c/o California Cruisin’ and mailed to 3760 Telegraph Rd. Ventura CA 93003.
Come see how we’ve been building strong kids, strong families and strong communities in Ventura since 1887 and join us in a new generation of health, family and friendship at the YMCA!

The Ventura Family YMCA serves over 20,000 individuals annually through facility memberships, before & after school childcare, day & resident camps, youth sports, swim lessons, teen programs, and many more healthy lifestyles and community enriching programs throughout Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, Santa Paula, and Saticoy. The Ventura Family YMCA is located at 3760 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. Visit www.venturaymca.org or call (805) 642-2131 ext 24 for more information.