Lock Haven YMCA’s Black and White Ball: A Night of Elegance, Community, and Giving Back
By Autumn Gavlock
LOCK HAVEN – The night came alive as the dazzling sparkle of glittering gowns and sharp tuxedos filled the Lock Haven University Durrwachter Alumni Center on Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the Lock Haven YMCA welcomed 152 guests to its annual Black and White Ball for the first time since 2020! Creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication, the radiant event brought together the Lock Haven community for an unforgettable evening of fundraising, philanthropy, and celebration.
As the guests arrived, they were greeted by a sea of black-and-white attire, adding a touch of sophistication to the atmosphere. The event, a highlight of the YMCA’s year, aimed to raise funds for the organization’s important community programs, and it certainly delivered on that front. The night was a perfect blend of fun and purpose, where everyone—from longtime YMCA supporters to new faces—came together to make a meaningful difference.
The Black and White Ball was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of community. The evening began with a cocktail hour, where guests mingled, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, and perused the silent auction tables, filled with donations from local businesses. The auction alone raised $2,825, with items ranging from unique experiences to carefully crafted pieces donated by local artisans.
As the evening progressed, the guests enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner, compliments of Aramark Food Services, followed by heartfelt speeches given by several board members. During those speeches, Lock Haven YMCA Board President Ron Reynolds took a moment to reflect on the incredible turnout and express his appreciation to his dedicated team of fellow board members who made the evening possible: Randy Probst, Brooks Luzier, Meagan Prough, Ashley Fedroff, Beth Bartlett (Associate Executive Director), Corinne Amrom (Director of Association Advancement), and Sarah Getz (Chair of the Event). “I just want to thank each and every one of you,” Reynolds said. “I can’t express my gratitude enough for the work that’s been done to bring this event back to life. The enthusiasm and gratitude in this room tonight are truly humbling.”
For Sarah Getz, Chair of the Black and White Ball Committee, the evening was a powerful reminder of the strength of small businesses and the collective spirit of the community. “When I look around the room and see all the donations from small businesses—whether it’s a raffle item, an act of service, or someone’s time—it’s just incredible,” she said. “It’s amazing to see how much our small community can accomplish when we all come together for a cause.” Sarah took a moment to acknowledge the local businesses that contributed free or discounted services for the event, expressing her deep gratitude for their support. She also thanked her dedicated team of committee members, noting, “I couldn’t have done it without them”: Ashley Fedroff, Meagan Prough, Laura Hansen, Alicia Deitrich, Tiffany Bowmaster, Lisa Heaton, and Kim Hackenberg.
Following the honorable speeches, Masters of Ceremony Randy Probst, a Lock Haven YMCA board member, and Lock Haven University Interim Athletic Director Albert Jones, both well-known community figures, guided the crowd through an exciting live auction, keeping the energy high with their natural charm and quick wit. Their lively response to the crowd kept spirits high, encouraging generous bidding. The live auction raised an impressive $4,250, offering attendees the chance to bid on one-of-a-kind items and experiences. The night’s events also featured the popular Heads n Tails game, which raised $1,564. In a touching gesture, the winner of the game donated back the lottery ticket winnings, which amounted to an additional $167.
The fun didn’t stop there—guests also had the opportunity to participate in the 50/50 raffle, which raised $765. As always, the YMCA’s generous supporters showed their true colors, donating proceeds back to the cause. Throughout the night, the energy was palpable, with guests dancing, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. The event felt like a reunion of sorts, a gathering of friends and neighbors united in their love for the YMCA and its impact on the community.
But it wasn’t just the auction items and games that made the night special—it was the cause behind it all. The Lock Haven YMCA, which has been serving the Lock Haven community since 1987 at its Main St. location, is a non-profit organization that provides vital programs and services that impact families, children, and individuals in the region.
“When you donate to the Lock Haven branch YMCA annual campaign, you are donating directly to our community, making it possible for children, families, adults, and seniors to have access to YMCA programs that improve their lives,” stated Beth Bartlett, LH Branch Associate Executive Director during her impact program speech. The Black and White Ball’s success directly benefits those programs, ensuring that the YMCA can continue to meet the needs of the community for years to come.
In particular, the evening’s fundraising efforts will support the YMCA’s Backpack Program. The Backpack Program distributes backpacks full of food each Friday to ensure students have enough food to eat over the weekend. Each child participating receives breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack for both Saturday and Sunday. We’re very pleased to be able to offer this program as a way to give back and provide much-needed assistance to families in our community to help our youth who do not have the means to eat on the weekends and rely on their only meals coming from school meals. This program serves around 300 children every month and has been an integral part of the YMCA’s mission for the past eight years. The YMCA has distributed over 5,000 backpacks! This year alone, it is expected to cost around $15,000.
Jason Fletcher, guest speaker and Homeless Student and Crisis Coordinator from the Sugar Valley Charter School, spoke briefly on the matter of the devastating need for programs like these and the stigmas surrounding the term “homeless.” He stated, “Over 50 families in our county have been identified as homeless, and those are just the ones we know about.” It is families and young children such as these that are benefiting from these YMCA-backed missions, once more advancing the importance of community support! The evening was a powerful reminder of how local businesses and individuals can make a huge difference in the lives of those in need.
The Lock Haven YMCA also provides other important community services, such as the LiveStrong program for cancer survivors, wellness initiatives, and special events like Healthy Kids Day and Free Community Swim. The LiveStrong program, which has helped 18 local residents to date, provides cancer survivors with the resources and support they need to navigate the challenges they face. The program has cost the YMCA $4,000 so far, but the positive impact on the survivors has been priceless.
The evening also highlighted the generosity of local businesses that helped make the event possible. The Lock Haven YMCA extends a heartfelt thank you to all the businesses and individuals whose generous donations helped make the Black & White Ball a resounding success. We are truly grateful for their support:
Title Sponsor:
UPMC
Diamond Sponsors:
Complete Comfort LLC
Northwest Bank
Gold Sponsor:
Schlesinger Communications
Silver Sponsors:
M&R Contracting
RTG Solutions
PSECU
JSSB
Bronze Sponsors:
Woodlands Bank
Cara Montarsi
Additional Contributions:
We also wish to recognize the local businesses and individuals who generously donated goods, services, and their time, making this event possible:
D.A. Heaton
Domino’s Pizza
Roxy
Stella ‘As
Momoya Otsu
Embellished
Caramia’s
Souper Salad
Luan and Ha
Silver Bullet Wellness
Millbrook Playhouse
Rich Lash Room
#1 Nails
Fresh Start Chiropractic Wellness Center
Be One Fitness
SWC Realty
Blonde Boutique
Pearl’s Café
It Is What It Is
Skeleton Key Apothecary
Bear Country Radio
MT. Provisions
John Spencer
Piper Museum
Samantha’s Kitchen
Kari Boyle
Beech Creek Hotel
Natures Inn
Haven Barber Shop
Scentsy – Amanda Force
Miller’s Gun Shop
Fox’s
Wines for Humanity
Old Corner Bottle Shop
Smitty’s Cigar Den
Angie Stoner – Lock House
Oregon Hill Winery
Pine Creek Inn
Waterville Hotel
Venture Inn
The Record
These invaluable contributions made a significant impact on the evening’s success.
The event, which raised over $10,000 that evening alone (not including ticket sales), was a resounding success, made possible by the dedicated efforts of the committee, volunteers, sponsors, and, of course, the generous attendees who came out to show their support.The funds raised will go directly toward the YMCA’s vital programs, ensuring that they can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
As the crowd danced into the night, it was clear that the Lock Haven YMCA’s Black and White Ball was not just a fundraiser, it was a celebration of community, generosity, and the power of coming together for a common cause. For more information on how to support the YMCA or get involved in future events, visit the Lock Haven YMCA’s website or contact the organization directly.
The Lock Haven YMCA’s Black and White Ball was a reminder that, when a community comes together, incredible things can happen. And thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, this night will be remembered as one where the people of Lock Haven made a lasting impact on their community. As the evening drew to a close and attendees made their way home, there was a sense of fulfillment—a night well spent—each person knowing they had been part of something truly special.
