31st Annual May Merriment Benefit

This has certainly been a year like no other! For the first time in its 31-year history, we were unable to host our traditional live event on the first weekend in May. In 2019, our Y provided over $346,000 in scholarships and program subsidies to local youth and families. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only put a tremendous strain on our members, but it has had a financial impact on our Y. Your Y family needs you now more than ever. Through Membership for All, we are continuing to provide assistance to any family that needs it, including instant emergency assistance to anyone who has lost income due to COVID-19, but we cannot continue these efforts without your generous support.

Please join us for a fun new spin on May Merriment during the week of August 24-29, 2020. The week will begin with an online auction of over 100 items that were donated by local businesses for our original event. There is something for every person and every budget! 

On Thursday, August 27, 2020 we will open the bidding for our Premier Items! These packages would have been a part of our live auction in May. Thanks to our generous community, we still have some incredible packages and trips for you to choose from. Bidding for both silent and premier items will close on Saturday night after our live Facebook event. Rally your friends and family, head to your favorite location, grab a drink and tune in! Our staff and board members will be presenting our annual Chair's Appeal in a fun, virtual setting. 

We believe our community is stronger when neighbors work together with a shared vision for the future.  With your support we can continue to align our programs and services to meet the needs of our communities. We can continue to bring people together and provide opportunities to be healthy, to thrive and to connect with others.  Please register for the event so that you will receive communication and instructions as to how you can participate in this unique opportunity. Thanks to you, your Y is thriving and our community is stronger.

Monday, August 24, 2020- 5 a.m. CST- Silent Auction opens online

Thursday, August 27, 2020- 5 a.m. CST- Premier Auction opens online

Saturday, August 29, 2020- 7:30 p.m. CST- Online Chair's Appeal- Facebook Live

Saturday, August 29, 2020- 8 p.m. CST- Raffle Drawing- Facebook Live

Saturday, August 29, 2020- 9 p.m. CST- Bidding Closes

September 1-4, 2020- Item Pickup at Mattoon Area Family YMCA