By Kathy L. Collins
The Campo Family YMCA will host its signature fundraising event, Corks & Forks, on Friday, November 14 beginning at 7 p.m. This year’s theme, A Night in Venice, will be held poolside at the Campo Family YMCA, located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico. The event will feature cuisine provided by local restaurants and vendors, entertainment, a live auction and raffle.
Tickets can be purchased at the Campo Family YMCA Welcome Center. The cost to attend is $50 per person for advance tickets, and $75 per person at the door.
Attendees at Corks & Forks can expect entertainment provided by David and Kelle Chancellor of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Over a dozen local restaurants will serve signature dishes. Beer and wine will also be served.
In addition to the entertainment and food, a fabulous live and silent auction featuring nearly 100 items, including week-long Blue Ridge Mountain home stays and theme park ticket packages, will be available.
Rick Lewis, Corks & Forks Chairman, said, “Corks and Forks is a celebration of all the members, volunteers and supporters who come together to enable the Y to fulfill its commitment to the community. As a cause-driven nonprofit organization, the YMCA is committed to three areas of focus, including nurturing the potential of kids and teens, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.”
Lewis added, “The YMCA ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow, and thrive. In the last two years, the Greater Brandon Area YMCAs provided more than $1,400,000 in membership financial assistance to thousands of local children and families. All of the proceeds of Corks and Forks go directly to help children and families in the greater Brandon community.”
Corks & Forks also provides the opportunity to recognize outstanding local volunteers who devote their time and talent to strengthen the community. Each year, the Y presents the Laurie Ellis Mission Advocate Award and the Ray Campo Leadership Award. Last year’s recipients were Jami Fencel and Carol Scheafnocker.
“The YMCA is not just a place to learn to swim and exercise. Children, teens and adults gain confidence, increase their self-esteem and make new friends,” said Fencel.
For more information on Corks & Forks, call 684-1371.
