The Anaheim Family YMCA, a cause-driven charitable organization, raised more than $210,000 on Saturday, March 2 at its sold out inaugural gala located at The Ranch Private Dining & Events Center. Proceeds will help the Anaheim Family YMCA with providing families with scholarships to vital YMCA programs in the community.
More than 250 community and business leaders, and supporters of the Anaheim Family YMCA gathered together to recognize and celebrate the recipients of the 2019 Charles Pearson award, Richard & Marty Dutch.
The dinner opened with kids from the Anaheim Achieves program at Juliette Low School of the Arts who performed a special number, “The Best is Yet to Come” by Frank Sinatra.
Following the performance came a special recognition from Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, who was instrumental in securing $5 million in state funding for the new Anaheim Family YMCA Community Complex.
“As a teacher of over 20 years, I know the importance of community organizations like the Anaheim Family YMCA. It provides a safe, family-friendly, healthy and fun place for everyone to enjoy. The children of Orange County deserve to engage in great opportunities for vital interactions in a positive environment and learn skills they’ll need for their future. I proudly support the work done by Anaheim Family YMCA.”
Frank Donavan, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Anaheim Family YMCA shared during his invocation, “At the Y, we believe that in a diverse world, we are stronger when we are inclusive and our doors are open to all. Tonight we honor those of you who have taken these beliefs and put them into action.”
During the Champions of Philanthropy Donor Recognition, Anaheim Family YMCA Board Member Larry Chung, from Disneyland Resort, said, “We’re really proud to support the community and keep our kids safe after school. We’re proud of this partnership and look forward to continuing it for many years.”
The 2019 Charles Pearson awardees are Richard and Marty Dutch. As a part of his remarks, Anaheim Family YMCA’s President and CEO Rick Martens said, “This gala marks another milestone in our YMCA’s history. We honored our past by presenting Richard and Marty Dutch with the Charles Pearson Award, named after our founder. And thanks to the support of all who attended, we will honor our future through more character-building programs and opportunities for our community.”
Anaheim Ducks owner Susan Samueli added, “I think the YMCA has chosen the best couple in Orange County to have at this particular time to give an honor to.”
Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer for the Anaheim Ducks also added, “It’s so great to be honoring you with the Anaheim YMCA, from the Anaheim Ducks and the Honda Center. We’re all part of this family and it’s just an honor to be here with you tonight and to honor both of you.”
Bob Miller, a longtime friend of Richard and Marty, was emcee for the evening, guiding guests through a slate of speakers, donor recognition, a special video presentation in honor of Richard and Marty and the Giving Back portion of the program.
Richard Dutch, honoree of the Charles Pearson award, concluded, “Our inaugural YMCA gala event was nothing short of magical, filled with amazing philanthropic friends who care so much about the YMCA’s mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The best is yet to come…and we are excited for the future to develop our youth and advocate healthy living and social responsibility. Bravo and kudos to all involved with making our inaugural gala such a huge success!”
The night continued with an interactive, high-energy dueling pianos performance by The Killer Dueling Pianos, which also helped raise money for the Anaheim Family YMCA by taking requests from the attendees.
