Submitted by Carlos Goycochea
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL– The spirit and revelry of New Orleans came to life during the YMCA of South Florida’s Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler (Let the Good Times Roll) themed Beach Ball Gala, presented by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
The Eighth Annual Beach Ball raised more than $750,000 for the Y’s water safety and drowning prevention programs. Over the years, these funds have provided swim lessons and water safety education to more than 175,000 children and families in the community. Formal swim lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%.
Guests were treated to a spectacular evening of live musical entertainment, dining, dancing, live and silent auctions and an electrifying performance by the Piper High School Marching Band, known as “The Band of Pride.” Piper High School is a participant in the YMCA of South Florida’s LEAP HIGH (Leadership, Enrichment and Academy Pursuits), and the band is one of the standout programs at the school.
Also during the Gala, POOLCORP, the leading global wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies and outdoor living products, was recognized with the YMCA of South Florida’s Lifesaver Award, presented annually to a community member or organization that exemplifies the spirit of commitment to drowning prevention, providing significant support to the cause. Through a POOLCORP grant, the YMCA of South Florida is providing at least 1,200 children and teens in South Florida free swim lessons, in addition to the 25,000 that it already offers annually.
“POOLCORP’s commitment to water safety aligns with our mission of educating children of all backgrounds about the importance of water safety and providing swim lessons to our communities,” said Sheryl A. Woods, President and CEO of the YMCA of South Florida. “Drowning affects everyone, across all ages, all races and all income levels. We’re all at risk.”
The leading community organization in water safety and drowning prevention education, the YMCA of South Florida teaches private and group lessons at the Y’s Family Center pools; offers instruction in community pools through the Y Mobile Aquatics program; collaborates with community partners on public service announcements and poolside signage; and provides free swim lessons during the annual Swim with Jenny in March.
The Eighth Annual Beach Ball was co-chaired by Jennifer McCafferty-Fernandez, Martii Salizar and Derek Koger, who also served as Grand Marshall.
“We cannot do what we do without the generosity of our donors, sponsors, host committee and all who attended the Gala,” Woods said. “Unfortunately, Florida leads the nation in drownings across all age groups, but together we can make water safe for everyone.”
In addition to Presenting Sponsor Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Beach Ball 2024 was Also supported by Titanium Sponsor Brown & Brown Insurance Miami-Dade; Host Sponsor Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and The Guitar Hotel; Diamond Sponsors Bacardi USA, Publix Super Markets Charities, Related, Seminole Media Productions and Spirit; Platinum+ sponsors Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald and Milner Inc., among others.
To learn more about the YMCA of South Florida and its drowning prevention initiatives, visit YMCASouthFlorida.org.
