FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (August 2026) – The YMCA of South Florida will host the 10th annual Beach Ball Gala on Saturday, October 3 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood. Title Sponsor is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Presenting Sponsor is Nicklaus Children’s Health System.
The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, followed by highlights of the Y’s water safety and drowning prevention initiatives, dinner and dancing.
More than 600 guests are expected to attend the Beach Ball with all proceeds supporting financial assistance for the YMCA of South Florida’s aquatics programs, which include free and subsidized swim lessons for underserved youth, wet and dry safety lessons, Swim for Jenny, and resources for families to prevent child drownings.
“This year’s Beach Ball Gala is very special to us, as we celebrate two major milestones,” said YMCA of South Florida CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “In addition to commemorating 10 years of gathering community leaders to raise funds in support of the Y’s aquatics programs, we are also happy to announce that Broward and Miami-Dade counties no longer lead the nation in drowning deaths, which is a very important step in our mission. It is because of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Nicklaus Children’s Health System, and all our sponsors and supporters that we are saving lives. Let’s keep it up.”
The Y’s commitment to end preventable swimming tragedies remains stronger than ever. For just $125 per child, the Y offers a proven, eight-lesson drowning prevention course, empowering kids to swim and stay safe in the water.
For more information on Beach Ball 2026, including sponsorships and tickets, please visit ymcasouthflorida.org/beach-ball/. For additional questions, please contact Aimee Fretwell at AFretwell@YMCASouthFlorida.org or at (954) 334-9622, ext. 1045.
About the YMCA of South Florida
For more than a century, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of the South Florida community. As a leading nonprofit, the Y is committed to strengthening community through more than 200 programs serving everyone from six months old to 100 years young. Our Family Centers and programs are inclusive, vibrant hubs of community life, offering a diverse array of classes, cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, exciting community events, unforgettable camps, supportive afterschool care, and holistic health and wellness programming. At the Y, there’s something for everyone. Join the movement by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or YMCASouthFlorida.org.
