Why Support the Y?

THE Y IS HERE FOR GOOD
Together, we can drive lasting change!

When our community needs us most, we are here. The Y, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has been a cornerstone of Lake County community for 157 years – empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across our communities.

COMMUNITY IS AT THE CORE OF PHILANTHROPY.

When you purchase tickets for the Dream House, you strengthen your community. All proceeds go directly to the Lake County Y and the Y in turns uses all funds to support neighbors through:

Financial Assistance for individuals who need the Y’s critical services but, otherwise, cannot afford them, such as child care, swim lessons, summer camp, wellness programs and more

Summer Learning Loss Prevention (SLLP), is a FREE program we offer to help prevent the “summer slide” when it comes to reading and other areas of academics. SLLP helps those students identified at-risk for not passing the third grade reading guarantee learn other strategies throughout the summer to retain the information they learned the school year before, as well as advance in reading comprehension and other reading skills for their upcoming school year.

Safety Around Water, this program is designed to reduce the risk of drowning by giving children confidence in and around water.

Programs for people of all abilities

So many more vital programs that help neighbors to thrive

The community needs the Y, and the Y needs you. Purchasing tickets for the dream car is NOT MONEY TO the Y, they are funds raised THROUGH the Y and go right back into your community.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Catharine BealLake County YMCA, cbeal@lakecountyymca.org

Lake County YMCA Announces the Dream House Fundraiser will be back in 2024!

At the Lake County YMCA annual Gala of Y Champions on September 9, 2023, the Lake County YMCA announced there will be a Dream House in 2024 and it’s going to be better than ever!

PAINESVILLE, OHIO (SEPTEMBER 12, 2023) – The wait is over! After 5 years, the Lake County YMCA will be building a house and giving it away to one lucky winner in the summer of 2024! The 2024 Dream House will be the 27th of its kind.  After the 26th Dream House in 2019 and due to the Covid- 19 pandemic, the project was put on pause. Grateful for the generosity of Classic Chevrolet in Mentor and the Chevy Network of Dealers, the YMCA was able to keep the fundraiser alive for the past four years through giving away a brand new car.  “The dream car fundraiser was critical the past four years in raising funds for programs at the YMCA that support the surrounding Lake County community,” said Director of Marketing and Communications, Kelly Penzenik. “Classic Chevrolet and the Chevy Network of Dealers supported us every step of the way. We are so grateful for their support and the support of the many ticket purchasers who believed in us and our mission for the past four years.”

The announcement of the 2024 Dream House was made at the Lake County YMCA’s annual Gala event. The event took place September 9th at Mentor Harbor Yacht Club. Along with the announcement, a private dinner party at the Dream House next summer was a unique auction package during the event. “There was definitely some excitement in the room for the Dream House coming back! The private dinner party for six people was settled at a bid price of $3,000,” commented Director of Development, Sarah Baggott. “This makes us very excited to launch the project again for 2024!” 

2023 Gala of Y Champions
  

Also announced with giving away the house, the Y will be giving away a brand new 2024 Chevrolet once again contributed by their longtime friends over at Classic Chevy and the Chevy Network of Dealers. “The Lake County YMCA is one of the area’s largest nonprofits working to better our community and we value the support of Classic Chevy and the Chevy Network during this time of growth and opportunity to serve,” said YMCA CEO, Dick Bennett. “These two organizations have supported us for many years and truly understand the impact we make together in the communities we serve. We are so appreciative.”

2023 Dream Car Winner

The Lake County YMCA has been known around Northeast Ohio for the annual Dream House fundraiser. Known as a summer “hot list” event, the Lake County Y has invited tens of thousands of visitors to tour the house through the years. The 2024 Dream House will be located in a new development off of Route 84, Andrews Ridge, in Willoughby, Ohio. The Lake County YMCA will be partnering with ProBuilt Homes to construct this year's home. ProBuilt was the builder of the 2019 Dream House.  “George and his team over at ProBuilt were immediately behind the project the moment we approached them with the thought. George has been a long time supporter of the Lake County YMCA and understands the importance of raising these funds. George’s passion to get this project underway makes him the perfect partner to come back with a real bang,” stated Kelly Penzenik. 

Typically, Dream House tickets don’t go on sale until spring, however, the Lake County YMCA has had some time to think about the project a bit differently. “We are excited to get this project started!  We are starting the planning for the 2024 house a lot earlier than we have done in years past,” said Kelly Penzenik. “This has allowed us to plan for special ticket events so make sure to stay connected with us to find out more. Who wouldn’t love a stocking full of dream house tickets?”  You can follow the progress of the project by connecting with the Lake County YMCA through their social channels or by visiting their website, lakecountyymca.org/dreamhouse.

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About the Lake County YMCA

The Lake County YMCA strives to strengthen communities. Through our focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, we embrace and nurture the promise that lives in all of us. The Y gives children, families, and individuals the support and resources needed to help them achieve goals, make friends and find a true sense of belonging. For more information about the Lake County YMCA, visit the website lakecountyymca.org.