<strong>From staff reports</strong>

The Virtual Beaufort Beach Ball Fundraiser &amp; Auction presented by Hamilton &amp; Schiller Law Firm benefiting the Wardle Family YMCA, will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 on the YMCA Facebook page (facebook.com/beaufortjasperymca).

All funds raised at the 2021 Virtual Beaufort Beach Ball will be used to operate the Y facility including programs like swim lessons, in-person and virtual exercise classes, preschool, e-learning support program, wellness checks for our senior and at-risk members, afterschool programs, summer camp and more.

The virtual Beaufort Beach Ball will include entertainment by Walker Dean, stories of how the Y impacts our community, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, and messages of thanks to Y sponsors, donors and members for their generosity.

There is an online silent auction which opens at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15. Some of the items included in this year’s auction include: a pair of C.J. Cummings’ Autographed Reebok "Legacy Lifter" Lifting Shoes (customized to your shoe size); 2 racing kayaks; a one-of-a-kind Quilt Coverlet by June Jones; a His &amp; Hers bike package; a two-night stay at Fripp Island Resort; a four-hour Tide Ryder fishing excursion; a Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island stay; Global Plasma System (GPS) Air Cleaning + installation; a two-night stay The Rhett House; a set of Men's Adams Golf Tight Lies golf clubs including bag and cart and more.

Visit charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/BBB2021-19695 to view and bid on the auction. The auction ends at 9:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 23, and auction winners can pick up their treasures at the Y in Port Royal starting at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 25.

“We appreciate the support of the community while we make a positive impact at the same time” YMCA Branch Executive Director Kaylin Garst said. “The demand on our programs and facility continues even during the pandemic, and we are committed to our members and the Beaufort and Jasper communities; we believe brighter days are ahead and we will need the Y to be here when we come out on the other side of this crisis.”

Want to donate?

The Y is accepting donations by phone. Simply text BEACHBALL to 88793; like-wise secure online donations can be made via the Y website (https://www.beaufort-jasperymca.org/) and click the Donate Now tab or by mailing check to: Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal, SC 29935 and note “2021 capital campaign donation.”

About the YMCA

The Wardle Family YMCA was chartered in 1990 and opened its doors in June 1996. The YMCA is a locally autonomous nonprofit organization made up of voluntary membership that is open to individuals of all ages, race, religion, incomes and abilities.

The mission of the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry currently serves approximately 8,000 individuals annually through the programs and services provided in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

For more information, visit beaufort-jasperymca.org.