DEWITTVILLE — YMCA Camp Onyahsa celebrated its seventeenth annual Dinner Dance event to raise scholarship funding for local youth resident camping programs on Saturday. Through ticket sales, auctions, sponsorships, and a raffle, the event raised more than $15,000 and helps to cap a very successful year for the regional institution.

Camp Director Jon O’Brian noted that the summer youth program had reached record youth enrollment, and that non-summer programs, collaborations with other area organizations, and rentals were also very strong. “We aim to conclude our milestone 120th year of providing excellence in youth development” to local families in a very strong position. The Camp’s Fantastic Future Capital Campaign is within $156,000 of its $1.5 million goal. The focus of this effort is to improve lodging by adding heat and bathrooms, winterize program areas, create a scholarship fund, and engage in property protection.

The evening saw nearly 100 guests enjoy a special meal prepared by the Camp’s volunteer “chefs,” Michael Flowers and Jackie Diethrick, the volunteer program assistance by nearly twenty summer counselors, and a great deal of work by the Camp Committee. Music was provided by Randy Graham and Jamie Henderson. Several sponsors assisted in the effort including Jane Currie, David Brown, Jane Kidder, Jamestown Cycle Shop, Chautauqua Brick, Judi Swanson, Skillman’s of Bemus, The Cottage Shoppe, The National Museum of Comedy, Albert “Skid” Proctor, Ruby Gustafson, Marcus Maloney and Smith Boys, Bag & String Wine Merchants, Sandy Calalesina, William Larson, William Waite, MapleVale Foods, Steener’s Pub, Belleview East, Peterson Farms and the evening’s major sponsor, the Legend Group. During the evening, YMCA Board President George Panebianco presented the YMCA’s Paul B. Sullivan Lifetime Achievement Award to Lou Deppas.

The Camp will host winter weekend programs for any area youth as well as rental and collaborative opportunities for groups and organizations.

For more information please consult www.onyahsa.org