The Gateway Family YMCA Announces Hope in Action Raffle to Support YMCA Financial Assistance

Union, NJ, October 08, 2026 --(PR.com)-- The Gateway Family YMCA is excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for its Hope in Action Raffle, a new fundraising opportunity benefiting YMCA Financial Assistance and helping ensure that individuals and families throughout the community have access to essential YMCA programs and services, regardless of their ability to pay.

Only 250 raffle tickets will be sold at $100 each, giving participants the opportunity to win one of three cash prizes. If all tickets are sold, the special 50/50 raffle will award a First Prize maximum of $10,000 cash, Second Prize maximum of $1,500 cash and Third Prize maximum of $1,000 cash.

“Hope in Action represents exactly what happens when our community comes together to support one another,” said Colleen Clayton, Chief Development and Strategy Officer of The Gateway Family YMCA. “Every raffle ticket purchased helps us provide opportunities for children, families, seniors and individuals who rely on the Y for critical programs, resources and support. Together, we are turning hope into action and strengthening our community.”

Proceeds from the Hope in Action Raffle will benefit YMCA Financial Assistance, which helps remove financial barriers to YMCA membership, programs and services. Through the generosity of donors and community partners, The Gateway Family YMCA provides access to services including child care, summer camp, drowning prevention and swim instruction, youth development, senior programs, healthy living initiatives, and other critical community resources.

The drawing will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Galloping Hill Caterers in Union, in conjunction with The Gateway Family YMCA’s annual Y We Care: Tricky Tray Auction Fundraiser. Hope in Action raffle participants do not need to be present to win. An event admission ticket is required for those wishing to attend the Y We Care event. Participants must be age 18 or older.

Hope in Action Raffle tickets are available at The Gateway Family YMCA branches in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union. With only 250 tickets available, community members are encouraged to purchase their tickets early.

For more than 125 years, The Gateway Family YMCA has strengthened communities throughout eastern Union County and northern Middlesex County. The Y provides a comprehensive network of programs and services designed to support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, including child care, housing, swimming and drowning prevention, youth and teen programs, senior services, chronic disease prevention, wellness, family support and community outreach.

Through YMCA Financial Assistance and philanthropic support, The Gateway Family YMCA works to remove financial barriers and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Serving over 20,000 individuals yearly, The Gateway Family YMCA provided over $622,000 in financial assistance in 2025.

For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA, YMCA Financial Assistance or the Y We Care: Tricky Tray Auction Fundraiser, visit The Gateway Family YMCA website at www.tgfymca.org or contact the Elizabeth Branch 908-355-9622, Five Points Branch 908-688-9622, Rahway Branch 732-388-0057 or Wellness Center Branch 908-349-9622.