YMCA of Greenwich Annual Spring Gala Raises over $425,000

The YMCA of Greenwich hosted its 2023 annual “Spring Gala” on April 21. The event honored long-time board member and former YMCA Interim Chief Executive Officer, Patrice Francois and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management for their commitment and support of the YMCA through the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program.

The gala, held at Greenwich Country Club, raised over $425,000.

Gala co-chairs Stacey Burton, Kim Rosenbaum, and Erica Bens at the YMCA of Greenwich Spring Gala, hosted at Greenwich Country Club. Contributed photo

“With your support, we are making a real difference in the lives of many,” said Matthew Skaarup, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Greenwich in a release. “Our membership is now exceeding our pre-pandemic numbers and we are developing new programs and partnerships. We are positioned for continued growth and are focused on elevating the Y’s charitable endeavors and services.”

The gala is the YMCA of Greenwich’s largest annual fundraiser. Monies raised help fund programs and services for their 5,000+ members and their community initiatives such as: Summer Camp and Vacation Camp Scholarship Program; their Membership for All Program, ensuring that no one is turned away due to financial reasons; Learn-to-Swim Programs, promoting water safety skills to community members of all ages; Running Start, a program to bring local students back-to-school shopping; LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a program helping adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis; among other programs and upcoming initiatives.

Marcel Bens, Chair of the Board, awards Jeff Castle with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s 2023 YMCA Gala Corporate Leadership Award. Contributed photo

“The YMCA of Greenwich has been a focal point of the community for over 100 years,” said Patrice Francois, recipient of the 2023 Impact Award. “I was thrilled to receive the YMCA Impact award for my tenure as interim CEO after leading the organization through the difficult days of the pandemic. Thanks to the strong support of the members and the community in general, the Y has emerged stronger than ever.”

“Giving back is one of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s core values. By participating in the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program, we were able to make a significant contribution to the Greenwich YMCA and the greater Greenwich community,” said Jeff Castle, former Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley.

The gala brought together over 300 guests.

Shahryar Oveissi awards Patrice Francois, former Board Member and Interim CEO of the YMCA of Greenwich, the 2023 YMCA Gala Impact Award. Contributed photo