Scenes From The 2024 Family YMCA Gala

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 7, 2024
- 4:33 pm

New Mexico Consortium CEO John Engen, left, and Los Alamos State Farm Agent Lou Santoro, right, and his wife Pat are honored with a standing ovation from the crowd for their generosity after YMCA CEO Chris Daniels, second from left, announced that both Engen and the Santoros donated $25,000 to the YMCA in support of its community programs. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Representatives from the Chairman’s Roundtable including LAMC, N2MIS, LANL/Triad, Los Alamos Daily Post and N3B. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Representatives from Champions of Youth including Century Bank, Deb Huling and TechScource. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Representatives from Benefactors of Youth including Karen Easton, Shay Kendicks, Paul and Linda Daily, George Marsden, Chris Daniels, Dwayne Herrera, Dr. Fernando Bayardo and Dick Martin. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Staff Report

More than 180 community members and officials from Los Alamos, Española and Taos gathered April 20 at La Fonda in Santa Fe, raising more than $150,000 for The Family YMCA to support the growing needs of individuals and families served in Northern New Mexico.

This year’s theme was “The Roaring 20’s” and The Los Alamos Jazz Combo played 20s music for attendees as they enjoyed a wonderful evening while raising money for the YMCA’s Scholarship fund.

“We’ve increased our fundraising efforts this year to support increasing program and scholarship needs in the communities we serve,” YMCA CEO Chris Daniels said. “It was inspiring to see our community come together and support these efforts.”

Funds raised at the Gala are part of The Family YMCA’s annual campaign goal of $250,000 that supports both the Los Alamos and Española teen centers, as well as the Y’s financial aid program.

Offering scholarships to the After-School and Sports programs, Membership, Camps and continued operational needs, the Y typically provides scholarships for more than 300 individuals, most of whom are children and youth.

YMCA Board Member Deb Huling speaking during a video produced by PAC 8. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com