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With Florida hitting a grim new record in 2021 with drownings up by 44 percent, the most child drownings since 2009, support for water safety education and drowning prevention programs are more critical than ever.
That is why proceeds from the YMCA of South Florida’s annual Beach Ball 2022 Gala, presented by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, is directed to the non-profit’s Aquatic Financial Assistance, which provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to at-risk children in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
The YMCA’s signature Beach Ball Gala is set for 7 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Intercontinental Miami Hotel, 100 Chopin Plaza in Downtown Miami.
“We cannot discuss water safety and drowning prevention enough. Our kids’ lives, particularly those in underserved communities, depend on it,” said Sheryl A. Woods, YMCA of South Florida president and CEO. “We thank Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for their continued support, and our hope is that other sponsors will see the importance of our programs targeted to at-risk kids and join us in our mission. It’s a fun night, but with a very important message and a very critical cause.”
Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner, live musical entertainment, dancing, a live auction and a wine wall.
Tickets to the Beach Ball 2022 gala are $500 each and underwriting sponsorship packages are available at $2,000 (includes two tickets) and $5,000 (includes four tickets). Platinum table sponsorships are available at $10,000 and includes a table for 10 guests. To purchase tickets, sponsorships and for information on auction item donations, visit https://ymcasouthflorida.org/event/beachball/.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under 4 years old. Florida leads the country in child drownings of all ages, with Broward and Miami-Dade counties having the most drowning deaths in the state.
The Y has been dedicated to teaching swim lessons for more than 100 years because formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88 percent — 64 percent of African American, 45 percent of Hispanic/Latino and 40 percent of Caucasian children have little to no swimming ability — and for every child who loses their life from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.
This year’s event also is sponsored by Brown & Brown Miami-Dade, Delta Air Lines, Publix Charities, Bacardi, Related, Cleveland Clinic, Club Med, Milner, UKG, Gulf Building, Pylon, Ryder System, Iberia Bank, and America’s Office Source, among others.
For sponsorship opportunities or additional questions, contact Aimee Fretwell at AFretwell@YMCASouthFlorida.org or at 954-334-9622, ext. 1045.
