The second annual YMCA of Central East Ontario (YMCA of CEO) Night in White Garden Party was held at Connon Nurseries on Friday evening.
Funds raised went to support the Strong Kids Campaign at Belleville and Quinte West locations.
YMCA President Dave Allen spoke to the sold-out crowd about the generosity of the community.
“Our community, whether it’s the hospital, whether it’s for the YMCA, whether it’s for The Children’s Foundation, people just seem to step up and step up and step up.”
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Stephanie Rayton is the YMCA of CEO board president and was guest speaker for The Night In White gala at Connon Nurseries in Bayside on Friday October 3, 2025.(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Allen was quick to thank Ed Lehtinen as well, who is a co-chair for the Centre for Life Campaign for the new YMCA build in Belleville.
He says he has been a great mentor.
“Ed is a business man, he’s a very successful businessman, and I look up to Ed. Ed gave me the push that I needed – Dave we got to do this, we got to do this, and Ed never stopped. So I thank Ed for his guidance and his wisdom and his tenacity to kick me in the backside when I needed it, so thank you very much for that Ed.”
Although final numbers have not been released, the event will have collected tens of thousands of dollars for the Strong Kids Campaign, which helps with classes, programs, swimming lessons, sports and other activities for kids.
You can get details on what Strong Kids offers by CLICKING HERE.
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Guests of the gala dance to music blasted out by DJ Leo Phillips. (Photo: Charity Kerr/YMCA of CEO)
YMCA CEO Dave Allen and Vice President of Funds Development Connie Reid. (Photo: Charity Kerr/YMCA of CEO)
YMCA of CEO President Dave Allen. (Photo: Charity Kerr/YMCA of CEO)
