SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - With 262 people in attendance Friday night, the Schuylkill YMCA raised about $50,000 during the Spirit of the Y Dinner & Auction at The Walk-In Art Center, 110 Columbia Ave.
Thomas Badger, Auburn, president of the Schuylkill YMCA Board of Directors, said that in the past, the night has raised about $15,000 to $20,000, but with its new board, it was able to raise about $45,000 to $50,000.
Matthew B. "Bo" Bates, Boyertown, Berks County, chairman of the Schuylkill YMCA's 2014 campaign, said that this year, the YMCA also initiated a $75,000 capital campaign in January to replace the floor of the gymnasium, windows in the facility and renovate the locker rooms at its headquarters in Pottsville.
"When I walked in the door, we had cash in hand and commitments of $70,000," Bates said. "As I leave here tonight, we have cash in hand and commitments of $80,000. We've surpassed our goal."
Bates also said that the Schuylkill YMCA will be applying to the state for matching funds this year, so it will have about $155,000 for the projects.
While Badger said they were projecting 240 to attend, 262 walked through the door Friday night.
There were more than 100 items in the silent auction, 25 baskets for the raffle drawing and 10 items for the live auction.
Live auction items included big-ticket items, such as an eight-day vacation at a villa at the Marriott's Grande in Orlando, Fla., which was donated by Ed's USA Auto Rentals, Pottsville, and a necklace and earring set valued at $3,000 from Sophy Jewelers, Saint Clair.
The recipients of the Milton Sorin Volunteer of the Year Award were Kristin Polston and Kirk Fanelli.