On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Concord Family YMCA hosted its 18th annual Snowflake Ball. About 250 people attended this year’s ball, which raised close to $30,000 for the Kids Campaign. Posters of some of the families that are assisted by the annual Kids Campaign were displayed along the walls leading to the Concord YMCA Grand Ballroom.

“The YMCA has been my coparent for the last several years,” said a single mother of three. “I feel blessed that I found the Y. Not just for the financial help they offer, but because they truly care about people. Thank you.”

The Snowflake Ball is created and run by a team of volunteers from the community. Committee members include Ann LaForce, Jennifer Devanny, Kate Russo and Eileen Moore. Planning for this event began in August. The Ball was underwritten by Citizens Bank, and more than 35 other companies financially supported the event.

The annual Snowflake Ball has greater significance than just another fundraiser; it is a genuine commitment by the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Concord Family YMCA and its board of directors to the children, teens, adults and older adults of the greater Concord community.

Mike Norklun, executive director of the Concord YMCA, said, “I’m excited about the success of this event. Everything we do benefits families in our community. This event is the first fundraiser of the campaign, and I’m looking forward to the support and volunteerism that we have to make this year’s campaign successful.”

The mission of the Concord Family YMCA is to serve the entire community. The goal is to provide services for individuals and families who wish to participate in the activities and programs of the YCMA, regardless of their ability to pay. Last year, the YMCA helped more than 250 families, giving more than $160,000 in financial assistance for child care, youth sports, fitness programs, day camps and general memberships.