Eyes all a-glow with Mattapoisett YMCA Buoy Tree lighting
Aria Bell (left) and Margot Ketchel (right) show off their balloon animals at the annual YMCA tree lighting. Photos by Mari Huglin
Two atendees play Connect 4 on the lawn.
Firefighters strike a pose at the event.
A father and daughter smile.
The painted buoy tree. Each buoy was painted by a summer camper.
Two women smile for the camera.
Santa smiles with two girls.
Parents took pictures of their children in front of the tree.
Folks gathered around the lit tree.
A group sips cocoa as they admire the tree.
One running group ran to the tree lighting.
Aria Bell (left) and Margot Ketchel (right) show off their balloon animals at the annual YMCA tree lighting. Photos by Mari Huglin
Two atendees play Connect 4 on the lawn.
Firefighters strike a pose at the event.
A father and daughter smile.
The painted buoy tree. Each buoy was painted by a summer camper.
Two women smile for the camera.
Santa smiles with two girls.
Parents took pictures of their children in front of the tree.
Folks gathered around the lit tree.
A group sips cocoa as they admire the tree.
One running group ran to the tree lighting.
MATTAPOISETT — The Mattapoisett YMCA held its annual beach fundraiser, complete with a tree lighting, beach bonfire, photos with Santa and family activities Tuesday.
The annual buoy tree lighting, held Dec. 9 on the beach near the 38 Reservation Road building, is the YMCA’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It raises funds for youth development and programming, supporting kids who could not usually afford to take part in YMCA activities.
Zach LeBlanc, executive director of the Mattapoisett branch, said the fundraiser is important for community growth and support.
“Anything and everything, whether it's camp or child care, we put it right back into our program so we can expand and extend our reach in the community,” Zach LeBlanc said.
Shayla McMullen, the youth and family director, said all the buoys for the tree were decorated by youth campers over the summer. Kids paint buoys, then get to show them off at the tree lighting in winter.
McMullen said her favorite part of hosting the event is bringing joy to kids and families while showing off the YMCA’s facilities and capabilities.
“Being able to bring in the community and spreading that joy — I think bringing that joy in is so helpful to the community,” McMullen said.
Both directors said the fundraising supports before and afterschool programs at the YMCA, but also at local schools. They rent out classrooms, host activities and have a curriculum at Sippican Elementary School.
Zach LeBlanc and McMullen said they were excited for the evening’s activities, especially to see Santa, and were pleased with attendance. Many attendees filled the beach despite the cold night.
Margot Ketchel and Aria Bell said they were excited to be at the event since they go to the YMCA almost everyday after school.They said they like all the activities, but especially bothering the teachers.
Ketchel said her favorite part was “probably jumping on the teachers all the time.”
Bell always asks her mom if there is anything fun going on at the YMCA then makes sure to attend.
“We go here for afterschool and we love this place,” Bell said.
Both girls said they were excited for s’mores and face painting and hoping to get Labubus from Santa Clause.
Cary LeBlanc, a volunteer and attendee of the event, has been a part of the YMCA for over 16 years. She brought her daughter up in the youth programs and now sits on the board of directors.
Cary LeBlanc said she thinks people's perception of the YMCA is just going to the gym and being able to swim, but it's a lot more than that.
“It's community involvement. It's childcare and summer camp. Anyone who hasn't visited our facility, we welcome them to come visit,” she said.
