ATHOL — Calling all spy film fans, secret agents and gun molls: the Athol Area YMCA James Bond Casino Royale dinner dance is only a month away.
The YMCA will hold its annual fundraiser on Saturday, April 21, from 6 p.m. to midnight in the Athol Town Hall.
Bill Kessler and his team, Anita Bevis, Catey Deveneau and Kim Stewart, at Kessler Investments Inc., 2070 Main St., are leading the project.
“This event supports our Partner With Youth Campaign,” said Kessler. “We do this every year to keep the costs down for children and families who can’t afford memberships to the Y. Proceeds allow low-income youths access to the Y programs, and provide scholarships to Camp Wiyaka, Camp Selah and other programs. No child, family or adult is turned away.”
The annual gala is being held a little later in the spring than usual, and the venue has changed.
“The Elks Lodge closed, so we’re holding it at the Athol Town Hall,” said Kessler.
The chicken marsala dinner is being catered by All American BBQ & Catering of Hubbardston.
“All American was referred to us by the Chamber of Commerce, who used them last year,” said Kessler.
The evening’s dance music will be provided by the Tony Soul Project, which is composed of musicians from the Worcester and central Massachusetts area. The band’s music includes rock ’n’ roll, Motown soul and the blues.
Organizers encourage attendees to have fun and dress in keeping with the “James Bond” theme.
“We hold this every year, and it is a great success and a lot of fun” said Kessler.
In addition to dinner and dancing, there will also be a silent auction and possibly casino games to play.
“People need to remember that the YMCA is a nonprofit organization that’s been around for 160 years,” said Kessler. “Fifty years after the Y was founded, Leroy Starrett donated the land on which the Y sits, and helped build the building that stands here today. Without the pool, kids would not have learned how to swim.”
The Y serves more than 3,500 people every year. More than $50,000 was awarded for membership assistance and more than $60,000 was given to send children to camp and child care programs.
Tickets are available from Kessler, the front desk at the Athol Area YMCA and from members of the YMCA board of directors. To reserve a table for eight, call 978-249-3305. Social hour begins with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails (served by Ellinwood Country Club) at 6 p.m. Dinner and dancing will follow.