WESTFIELD-As summer fast approaches, a special down-home country fundraiser to benefit the YMCA of Greater Westfield is slated June 2 to usher in the season featuring ZBTB – the Zac Brown Tribute Band.
“Zac Brown’s Caribbean vibe country music is a great way to jump into summer,” said Andrea Allard, CEO, Westfield YMCA.
Andrea Allard, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Westfield, hopes area residents are ready to jump into summer with a fundraiser to support programs and services that benefit all ages.
Using a play on words from the band’s “Jump Right In” tune, Allard is hopeful that area residents will turn out for the YMCA’s sixth annual premier event titled “Party with a Purpose!” with proceeds supporting year-round programs and services.
“Our goal is $50,000,” said Allard, noting that funds raised help underwrite programs and provide financial assistance to all ages in the Greater Westfield community.
“We never turn anyone away for the inability to pay,” said Allard.
Allard added that in 2017, 1,000 individuals benefited from $250,000 distributed in scholarships.
“Money raised through fundraisers return back to the community by providing affordable and accessible programs for kids, families, adults and seniors,” said Allard. “Our signature programs are specifically designed to develop the whole person in spirit, mind and body.”
The evening begins at 6 p.m. at Tim and Jeanne’s Dining Commons on the campus of Westfield State University with an extended tailgate party and two cash bars (full liquor and two signature cocktails).
The Zac Brown Tribute Band will perform during the YMCA of Greater Westfield’s premier fundraising event June 2. (Submitted photo)
Food will be served buffet style along with carving stations, a pasta station and a dessert bar (cotton candy bar, hand made pies, bars and cookies).
Offerings will include a build-your-own mac and cheese with a choice of pastas, two sauces and an assortment of mix-ins, and carved brisket sandwiches served with baked biscuits, sweet pickles, and two choices of barbecue sauce.
The ‘help yourself’ area will include fried chicken, fried okra, potato salad, tangy slaw, bourbon baked beans and a build-your-own salad bar.
“Attire is a pair of jeans that fit just right,” said Allard, once again using a play on words from the Zac Brown Band song “Chicken Fried.”
“Cowboy and trucker hats are also welcomed,” she added.
Among the highlights of the evening will be a mechanical bull, along with live and silent auction items. Auction items will include a signed New England Patriots helmet by Rob Gronkowski, tickets to Red Sox games, and a flight over the Pioneer Valley.
A special raffle at $20 per ticket is also planned for a Tom Brady autographed jersey (32” x 40”), valued at $2,700. Tickets are on sale at the YMCA through June 1 and the winner will be drawn June 2. The winner does not need to be present at the fundraiser to claim the jersey.
Everyone attending the fundraiser will also receive a commemorative gift at the end of the evening.
Mark Guthrie of Tommy Plante’s Hard at Play Professional DJ Services will also be an integral part of the evening affair and Allard will emcee the festivities.
The main event is ZBTB’s two-hour concert set featuring all of the hits of the Zac Brown Band, as well as renditions of a diverse set of covers.
Tickets are $75 per person for the fundraiser which includes the dinner and concert. Tickets can be purchased at the YMCA on Court Street by June 1. Tickets can also be reserved online at www.westfieldymca.org or by calling the YMCA at (413) 568-8631 by June 1. Tickets will not be sold at the door. A table of eight can also be reserved.
Allard credits several sponsors for their continued support of the YMCA’s premier events, including Advance Manufacturing Company, Inc., Westfield Bank and United Bank, all gold sponsors; Westfield State University, Air Compressor Eng., Inc., HUB International, Roger Butler Insurance Agency, and the Westfield News Group, all silver sponsors; and Mestek, Inc., Westfield Electroplating Company, and the Westfield Gas and Electric, all bronze sponsors.
Allard also thanked the talented individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure each year’s premier event is a success. Committee members include Emily Amanti, Holly Amanti, Kaitlyn Bruce, Bill Cloutier, John Farrell, Eric Hall, Melissa Lambert, Amy L’Esperance, Christina Lovelace, Kelly Salls and Lisa Sullivan.
“The premier event committee started planning right after last year’s event and wanted something fun, something different this year,” said Allard.
Parking on campus is available adjacent to the Dining Commons, as well as in the Parenzo Hall and Scanlon Hall parking lots.
“ZBTB creates an exciting and exhilarating experience rivaled only by Zac Brown himself,” said Allard. “Join us for the ultimate tailgate party.”
As part of The Westfield News’ sponsorship, we will be giving away two tickets to the show through a contest on our Facebook page. Follow us for more details.
