The Community YMCA to Celebrate 140th Anniversary at Annual Benefit Sept. 27 at Camp Arrowhead

The Community YMCA is celebrating 140th years of service at their Annual Benefit on Saturday, September 27 at Camp Arrowhead, the Y’s signature summer day camp in Marlboro, where generations of local children have enjoyed summers filled with swimming, hiking and  making lifelong friends.

Event Chairman Gustav “Gus” Fingado, IV, of Shrewsbury, said the Y is pleased to announce that Lynn and Steve “Biddy” Bidgood and the Borough of Red Bank will be recognized at the benefit for their positive impact on the lives on residents in Monmouth County.

The Bidgoods will be honored with the Y’s Distinguished Citizen Award, presented to those who demonstrate outstanding civic and volunteer leadership in our community. The Eatontown residents have dedicated much of their personal and professional lives to local community service. Through their charitable efforts, the Bidgoods have raised over $1 million for worthy local organizations - including the Y - and have helped improve the quality of life for many of their fellow neighbors. Steve Bidgood is Managing Partner of Salt Creek Grille in Rumson and has served as a member of the Y board for over 10 years. Lynn Bidgood works part-time at the Y’s Red Bank facility and volunteers for the American Red Cross. 

The Borough of Red Bank will be presented with the Community Partner Award, which honors organizations that support the Y’s efforts in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community YMCA was founded in 1874 by Red Bank business leaders and clergy eager for young men to have a safe haven where they could improve their spiritual, mental, social and physical well-being. The Y and the borough have been working together ever since to help individuals and families in Red Bank live healthier. Currently, the Y and the Borough are collaborating on the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign to provide residents with opportunities for active living. 

The benefit will begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails in the Carr Pavilion featuring music by Pat Roddy and Chris Giunco. Dinner by Merri-makers Caterers will follow, along with dancing to the music of Tim McLoone & the Shirleys . The evening will include a look back at the Y’s 140 years of serving the greater Monmouth County community, plus silent and live auctions and a 50/50 cash raffle. 

Support for the benefit will help the Y ensure that everyone – regardless of age, income or background -  has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through Y programs such as afterschool care, youth sports, health and wellness, swim lessons, summer camp, teen leadership and counseling and social services. 

About The Community YMCA
The Y is a leading nonprofit charity that strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community YMCA serves more than 20,000 residents in greater Monmouth County through programs such as: preschool, before and after school care, health and wellness, leadership, arts enrichment, personal and family counseling and summer day camp. With a mission to serve all, more than $660,000  in reduced and free membership fees and programs is provided by the YCares financial assistance program to individuals and families in need. For more information, visit TheCommunityYMCA.org.