Gleason Family YMCA supporters from Marion, Wareham and beyond gathered at the Marion Music Hall Saturday to taste some wine, sample hors d’oeuvres and desserts from local eateries, bid on silent auction items, and support the Gleason Y's scholarship fund.

As Gleason Family Director Laura Prisco explained, the Y is committed to providing access for all, regardless of ability to pay. Through September, she said, the Y has given out more than $200,000 in "scholarship" funds, despite the fact that "we're only planning on raising $90,000."

Thus, the need for Saturday's annual wine tasting and other fund-raising events.

New to the event this year were two attractions.

Edward Smith of Plymouth drew caricatures of attendees for small fee.

And strolling violinist Emily Richard of Plymouth provided the music. The 17-year-old daughter of Sippican School music teacher Patty Richard, she took a break from her musical duties to answer a few questions about herself.

She started playing the violin at age 3. She remembers her father seeking a piano teacher for her and responding: "No! I play the violin."

Now, although still a high school student, she performs regularly at Benjamin's restaurant in Taunton and at weddings. Why do this for the Y? Well, there's the family connection to Marion, and "I took karate there."

While the event benefited the scholarship fund, Prisco and Marketing & Development Director Jo-Ann Watson had some good news about another Y fund-raiser. Given a $400,000 "challenge grant" by the Penzance Foundation, on the condition that the Y raise an additional $400,000 on its own toward completion of its building expansion project, the word on Saturday was that the Y is just $80,000 shy of hitting its $400,000 goal. The deadline to raise the money is December 31.