The annual Haverhill and Plaistow YMCA Legacy Gala—this year in honor of Ernest DiBurro of Haverhill and Al Goldstein of Atkinson, N.H.—will still go on later this month, but in a virtual manner.
The gala, which was to have taken place this past Saturday, recognizes and honors individuals who have given time, talent and/or treasure to the community and also helps pay for summer camps and educational programs. YMCA Regional Executive Director Tracy Fuller, appearing last Friday on WHAV’s morning show, says the event will now be spread out over two weeks.
“Our online auction will start Thursday May 14, and we’ll have a virtual event that will be Thursday May 28 at 7 p.m. and it will be for about an hour. Our two board presidents, Diane Connolly and Joan Fredricks, and myself will be streaming as well has having video content, and our goal will be to continue to raise funds for summer camp as well as for the emergency childcare and work that we’re doing,” she said.
Fuller went on to say that money raised will be used to benefit the Y’s mission of helping others.
“People will be able to pledge towards our funds in need, as well as be able to bid on our online auction items, and we’re hoping for a great turnout. We’re hoping that people come and see us being fun, and celebrating our honorees. We’re honoring Al Goldstein and Ernie DiBurro, but the theme we had already chosen is “everyone can be a superhero” and we feel that today, that resonates more than ever,” Fuller added.
Fuller says the Haverhill YMCA is still adding items to the virtual auction and welcoming sponsorships for the virtual Legacy Gala, with the money raised going to summer camp, where registration is ongoing, and emergency childcare.