By Erin Craver

Gathering for a good cause that brings the community together is what the Kernersville Family YMCA’s A Taste of the Season Event is all about. Five years ago, local Y volunteers wanted a way to bring community leaders together to learn more about the Y cause and have fun doing it. They began hosting an annual gala that was renamed Taste of the Season last year. The event provides an opportunity for local restaurants to sample their best dishes, while guests raise money for an important cause.

Held at the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, the evening is filled with local food from more than a dozen Kernersville restaurants, along with craft beer and wine, and live music. Last year, nearly 100 people attended to enjoy the festivities and give back to the community. The event also included silent and live auctions, which raised more than $9,400 for the Kernersville community, as well as a hot chocolate bar and photos with Santa.

“This year’s silent auction will have high quality, high value experiences that people will really want,” said Chris Booth, YMCA Senior Engagement Director and one of the event organizers. “It is the perfect time to do some holiday shopping and do good with your spending.”

Last year’s silent auction included sporting event tickets, a signed football from the Carolina Panthers, Carowinds Tickets, personal family photography packages, date night packages with movie and dinner, craft beer, a week of resident camp at YMCA Camp Hanes, a weekend stay at a beach condo, and more. The items for this year’s auction are still being finalized.

New for 2017, childcare will be offered. While parents enjoy a night out, kids can visit Polar Express Night at the Y with hot chocolate, dinner, games and movie night watching the Polar Express. Children up to age 11 can attend and the cost is only $10 per child and $5 for each additional child in the family (space will be limited).

“This is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season,” said Susanna Nunn, Kernersville Family YMCA board member and chair of the event. “It is not only a time to socialize with friends, it is also giving back for a good cause.”

The YMCA Annual Giving Campaign raises funds to ensure no one is turned away due to the inability to pay thanks to Open Doors Financial Assistance, as well as offers life-changing programs in the Kernersville community. Every dollar raised for the Kernersville Family YMCA stays in Kernersville to make the community stronger.

A portion of the Y’s Annual Giving Campaign went to fund the Y’s Summer Learning Academy at Kernersville Elementary. The six-week program gives students from Title I schools the opportunity to stay on grade level while having a great time in a structured environment. The program is focused on fighting summer learning loss that can negatively impact students. The program costs $30,000 to fund and is completely full, causing students to be turned away due to space limitations.

“We know that Title I schools in our community need our help,” said Chris. “This is an opportunity to help the Y meet that need and an opportunity to make a greater impact in the Kernersville Community.

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Want to come? Here is all the info:

Taste your way through our silent and live auctions with local food, craft beer and wine. Enjoy live music as you sample local cuisine. Proceeds will benefit the Annual Giving Campaign and the Summer Learning Academy at Kernersville Elementary School.

Friday, December 8

6 pm – 9 pm

The Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden

$40 per person – includes dinner and drink tickets

RSVP by Friday, December 1 to Chris Booth at c.booth@ymcanwnc.org or 336-996-2231 ext. 6410. Online registration available at www.kernersvilleymca.org.

NEW THIS YEAR! Childcare available at the Kernersville YMCA for $5 per child.

Dress is holiday casual.

Sponsored by Younts Insurance