WESTFIELD-Megan Wright has seen firsthand the family ties that are made by being part of the YMCA of Greater Westfield.
Wright, who has served as the YMCA’s gymnastics program director and head coach for 15 years, took over the position from her mother, Linda Wright, who also continues to coach ‘Y’ gymnasts. Prior to becoming director, Wright also served as a gymnastics coach for five years.
Members of the YMCA of Greater Westfield’s competitive gymnastics team will benefit from a unique fundraiser slated April 28. (Submitted photo)
“I grew up at the YMCA,” said Wright, whose daughter Kenzie Kluizo, 10, now follows in her mom’s footsteps in the gymnastics program.
Wright said gymnastics has always been a passion for her and now she relishes watching the young people in the competitive gymnastics program excel in their area of expertise.
“I enjoy watching the progress that the kids make and sharing my love of the sport,” said Wright.
Wright added that because of the YMCA’s mission to serve as many families as possible, fundraisers are conducted throughout the year to help defray the cost to families.
“We want to give kids an opportunity to do gymnastics competitively without extreme costs,” said Wright.
A Quarter Auction event is planned April 28 in the general purpose room at the YMCA on Court Street which will help raise funds for the gymnastics program. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the auction runs from 4 to 7 p.m. The cost is $5 per person and the event is open to the public. Two paddles will be included in the admission price and additional paddles will be available prior to the start of the auction.
“We fundraise throughout the year to help offset the cost of replacing old equipment, purchasing uniforms for team members, and replacing mat covers,” said Wright.
Wright noted that auction attendees are asked to bring quarters that will be used throughout the evening to try and win items that will range in price from $1 to more than $50. Each vendor will auction one or two items and provide a brief description, as well as its retail value.
Vendors expected to participate at press time include Barrie Hanscom-Houle, Tupperware; Dee Dee Pielock, Style Dot; Sue Reardon Hepburn, Lipsense; Stacy Deprey, Young Living; Beth Skowron, Tastefully Simple; Erin Hall, LulaRoe; Emily Harrington, Thirty-One Gifts; Bryant/Tammy Keeney, Antler Dog Chews and Gifts, and Catherine Vatter, Avon.
A host of raffle prizes will also be available to try and win and range from gift cards to a youth YMCA membership. If a business would like to donate a raffle prize, contact Wright at (413) 568-8631.
Refreshments will also be available for purchase including grinders, small hot meals, snacks and drinks.
Proceeds raised from this fundraiser will benefit the 50 members, ages 5 to 17, on the YMCA competitive gymnastics team, as well as 15 members, ages 4 to 9, on the beginner gymnastics team. Traditional gymnastics includes the balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercises and vault.
Currently, team members are training for the 2018 Northeast Regional YMCA Gymnastics Championship in Maine. Trainers working alongside Wright with the teams include Linda Wright, head coach, Tai’le Oprecht, Justine Butler, Kendall Neidig, Emily McPherson and Sarah Thomas.
“During our recent 2018 YMCA Tri-State Gymnastics Championships in New Hampshire our kids did well, individually and with the team competition,” said Wright.
