The Gleason Family YMCA held their annual sip and support fundraiser filled with prizes, games and live music to help them not only raise money but continue to form relationships within the community.

The fundraiser held Thursday, Oct. 3 at Stone Path Malt saw many people from the community come out to support the YMCA as the organization raised over $20,000.

According to Gleason Family YMCA interim president and CEO Debbie Fringuelli, the YMCA gave out gift cards, held a silent auction, and hosted raffles that gave out packages donated by local businesses to help the organization raise money to support its members.

"We're raising funds to provide scholarships for folks to join the YMCA, to be able to take part in swim lessons, to go to summer camp, to be in child care or take part in any of our big programs," said Fringuelli. "It's really an opportunity to help us reach our goal of $190,000 raised this year but it's not always about just the dollar amount."

On top of being the organization's biggest fundraiser of the year, Fringuelli said the event is about continuing to build a community.

"I had a [YMCA] member come up to me and tell me she joined the YMCA in January and its really become a community for her," said Fringuelli. "She said she's met so many people and she can't speak highly enough about how the atmosphere is so positive and energetic and it reminded me this is why we do this."

Fringuelli explained the YMCA not only promotes physical health but mental and emotional health too by giving people a space to build relationships and friendships.

"The YMCA is unique and we're not your typical gym," said Fringuelli. "We give back to our community and that's what the financial piece of it does, it helps us give back to the community."