The YMCA of the Wabash Valley hosted its annual Red Gala and auction Friday evening to raise money for its myriad of programs.
All proceeds from the packed event in Red Barn at Sycamore Farm on Terre Haute's east side will support scholarships for underprivileged families that otherwise may not be able to afford the Y's programs.
To speak about the impact of those programs, Keith Carter shared a story about his sons and a trip they took with the YMCA's summer day camp.
During last year's day camp, Carter's sons, Toby and Trey, took a trip to the Griffin Bike Park where they were introduced to mountain biking and fell in love with the sport, Carter said.
"From that experience they have taken up mountain bike racing and found something they love because of that field trip," said Carter, partner and CPA with Kemper CPA in Terre Haute. "They raced four races last year with Toby, our 12-year-old, finishing as the state runner-up, and Trey, our 10-year-old, finishing as the co-state champion.
"It's just special to see that because of their experience with the YMCA day camp that they've both found something that has changed their lives, probably forever."
And for as excited as Carter says his sons are, he sees the experience as an investment of the leaders of tomorrow's Terre Haute.
"Through the Y these kids are exposed to situations that normally they wouldn't have been," Carter said. "They are really helping development our human capital in the community and our workforce development by strengthening that future workforce.
"The YMCA is vital to our community and its future."
Stories like Carter's are music to Erin Gregory's ear, as she says it demonstrates the effect a community-oriented organization can have on its youth.
"Those stories are why we do what we do," said Gregory, the YMCA's director of development. "The Y is so much more than a place to go exercise. We are a place for families to come together. We are place to give kids opportunities that they wouldn't have otherwise.
"So to hear people like Kieth tell their stories definitely makes us feel like we're doing something right."
Reporter Alex Modesitt can be reached at 812-231-4232 or at alex.modesitt@tribstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @TribStarAlex.