Charity ball exceeds fund-raising target

The Umina Beach Rotary Club's inaugural Charity Gala Youth Ball raised a total of $30,677, exceeding the target of $25,000.

Tickets were sold out days before the ball which was held on November 18.

Money was also raised through sponsorship and a silent auction.

The proceeds will be used to pay for the construction of two tiny homes to be used as learning spaces by the YC Group, formerly known as Youth Connections.

"We have been struggling to provide additional programs without a new building," said its chief executive Ms Claudia Devlin.

The Group had hoped to raise enough money for a second-hand demountable but had secured enough funding for two tiny homes.

"The Rotary Club of Umina beach decided to support young vulnerable people, so they decided to support us and do some fund raising," Ms Devlin said.

The creative direction of the ball, which was held at Gosford RSL, was coordinated by clients who also gave testimonies and performances during the ball.

The theme was "butterfly".

"We wanted it to be about having fun and showcasing our people," said Ms Devlin.

"They made the prizes.

"They made the artwork.

"Everything was done by YC and the whole theme was that if you just believe, the journey may be rough and tough but, you will come through it as and emerge as that butterfly."

Ms Devlin said: "We have had a great partnership with the Rotary Club of Umina Beach for many years thanks to our board member, Mr Pat Lewis, who is also a Rotarian."

"The Rotary Club of Umina Beach is eager to do it all again," she said.

"There's a program to give people a certificate in construction and I think it would be nice if young people could be part of the building of two new structures," she said.

SOURCE:

Interview, 20 Nov 2017

Claudia Devlin, YC Group

Reporter: Jackie Pearson