North Shore YMCA volunteers ‘raise the roof’ for New Orleans rebuilding efforts

Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle
Thu Nov 15, 2007, 11:26 AM EST

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hamilton-Wenham - The effects of Hurricane Katrina continue to be overwhelming and vast according to YMCA volunteers who traveled last week to New Orleans to help with the rebuilding efforts in Louisiana. Twenty seven YMCA volunteers and staff hammered nails, built walls and raised a roof at the New Orleans Habitat Musicians’ Village in hopes of making an impact in rebuilding the New Orleans communities. What they found was that their collective 567 hours of volunteer efforts over three days were extremely rewarding, however, the need for continued support is immense.

"The devastation is truly hard to take," said Ginny Yonce, a YMCA volunteer and Hamilton resident. "Everywhere you turn there are still homes in complete destruction, homes that have moved off their foundation and worst of all, homes that are entirely gone and vacant lots remain in their place."

The group was organized by the YMCA of the North Shore as an inspiration to live out the theme of the YMCA’s 2007 gala fundraising event — "Celebrating New Orleans."

Jack Meany, CEO of the YMCA of the North Shore, further explained the connection, "In 2005, when Katrina hit, our board talked about how we could best help those in need in Louisiana. We decided that we would wait until the chaos settled and could get involved in something that would make an impact. When the theme for our gala fundraising event emerged this year, "Celebrating New Orleans," it was a fitting and appropriate way for us to achieve our original goal — to help raise funds for those impacted by Katrina in rebuilding their communities."

The Saturday, Nov. 17 gala event, at the Sheraton Ferncroft in Danvers showcase inspirational efforts of the New Orleans Habitat Musicians’ Village as a model for community revitalization.

Meany sees a strong tie between both organizations, "since both the YMCA and the Musicians’ Village recognize that building homes builds communities, this year’s theme allows us to showcase our YMCA affordable housing initiatives as well as the continuing need to rebuild New Orleans, a city with such undying spirit. In fact, we are natural partners."

Proceeds from the gala event will directly support YMCA efforts to provide programs and services to over 5,500 children, adults and families.

"We will give away $1.25 million in Y services this year and the need continues to rise each year," said Meany. "Our gala event is an important fundraiser that helps us give families access to Y services like child care for working families, programs that give at-risk teens a chance to succeed, affordable housing for families in need and YMCA memberships which enhance healthy lifestyles. In addition to supporting the YMCA’s mission work, 10 percent of the total net proceeds raised from the evening will be donated to the New Orleans Habitat Musicians’ Village.