(PHOTO: At the Rye YMCA’s Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser on Friday, February 28, 2025, Community Service Award winner Sam Dimon, Rye Y CEO Sabrina Murphy and Gold Spirit Award winners Jon Elsen and Kevin Kavanagh. Contributed.)
The Rye YMCA’s Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser returned to the Harrison Meadows Country Club on Friday, February 28, 2025 bringing together nearly 200 guests for an evening of music and dancing. Featuring the sounds of ETA Music, the event celebrated the best hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
The Rye Y presented it Gold Spirit and Community Service Awards. The Gold Spirit Award, the highest honor bestowed upon Rye Y volunteers, is selected by past recipients in recognition of outstanding leadership and service to the organization. This year, Kevin Kavanagh and Jon Elsen were honored with the award for their dedication and contributions. Additionally, the Community Service Award was presented to Sam Dimon, recognizing his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community, on a local, national and global level.
(PHOTO: At the Rye YMCA’s Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser on Friday, February 28, 2025, the Rye Y Spice Girls: Caitlin Bochicchio, Melissa Lewis, Traceann Rose, Heather Camacho, Kathy Lynam. Contributed.)
The dancing was led by five Rye Y staff members dressed as The Spice Girls, who set a festive tone for the night. Attendees embraced the theme, donning vintage attire and dancing to familiar favorites. “It was wonderful to see our community come together for a night of fun while supporting a great cause,” said Rye YMCA CEO Sabrina Murphy.
In 2024, the Rye Y provided more than $500,000 in financial assistance. “Every bid placed tonight helps provide opportunities for those who need them most,” Murphy added. The Y did not say how much was raised during the event.
(PHOTO: At the Rye YMCA’s Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser on Friday, February 28, 2025, the Rye Y staff: Caitlin Bochicchio, Ana Cervantes, Barbara Hughes, Denise Woodin, Heather Camacho, Liliana Gudino, Kathy Lynam, Traceann Rose, Susan Olson, Lisa Tidball, Melissa Lewis. Contributed.)(PHOTO: At the Rye YMCA’s Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser on Friday, February 28, 2025 Amanda Polizzi and Jen Viaro. Contributed.)(PHOTO: At the Rye YMCA’s Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser on Friday, February 28, 2025 David Olarsch, Sabrina Murphy and Susan Olson. Contributed.)(PHOTO: At the Rye YMCA’s Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser on Friday, February 28, 2025 John and Cynthia Weber and Sara and Taegan Goddard. Contributed.)(PHOTO: At the Rye YMCA’s Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser on Friday, February 28, 2025 Rich and Alison Relyea. Contributed.)(PHOTO: At the Rye YMCA’s Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser on Friday, February 28, 2025 PK Paran and Sara Van Lieshout. Contributed.)(PHOTO: It was all 70s, 80s, and 90s at the Rye YMCA’s Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser on Friday, February 28, 2025. Contributed.)(PHOTO: It was all 70s, 80s, and 90s at the Rye YMCA’s Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser on Friday, February 28, 2025. Contributed.)
