Local News
La Crosse Area YMCA to celebrate 140th Birthday with Charlie Berens
The Y is throwing an epic birthday celebration in honor of the people and programs which have influenced the health and vitality of our community for 140 years.
The La Crosse Area YMCA is throwing an epic birthday celebration in honor of the people and programs which have influenced the health and vitality of our community for 140 years. Join them for an adults-only event with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception complete with birthday fun and games, a program emceed by Charlie Berens, and plenty of over-the-top surprises along the way.
The event, held Thursday, May 18th at La Crosse Center’s Riverside ballroom, will have a cocktail and hors d’oeuvre reception catered by The Waterfront. Chief Development Officer Nikki West, told Z93, “we’ll have lots of birthday Fun and Games. “Think of kid’s birthday parties but grown ups doing that.”
Z93 had to ask how they were able to score comedian Charlie Berens as a host. West explained, “we had Charlie last year for an event and he said, ‘anytime you want me to come back, I am happy to do so.’ You know, we’re kind of besties.”
The celebration will share the Y’s impact in our community and raise important funds in support of Y programs and people.
CEO Bill Soper highlighted the great work the YMCA continues to do to support our community after 140 years. They’re now serving about 24,000 members between their two branches. “People know us for the swimming pool and wellness centers in those spaces, but there’s so much more that the Y does,” Soper said.
They serve 200,000 meals and snacks to the community annually. They offer a cancer survivorship program for both youth and adults. The Y also has their youth center, across the alley from the Main St. branch, plus adaptive and inclusive programming.
Soper also highlighted their flexible pricing program. “We want to make sure the Y is affordable and accessible. So if people feel like they can’t afford it, we make sure that it’s affordable.”
Soper said last year the La Crosse Y awarded $1.7 million in direct financial assistance to the community. Their branch lead the state in awarding the most assistance last year. “When we say the Y is affordable and accessible, we want to make sure that’s true,” Soper added.
Wondering what to wear? Come in casual attire or have fun dressing in vintage workout gear, in honor of 140 years of promoting healthy living!
Find more information on the event and purchase tickets online HERE.
