YMCA Lehigh Valley Gala Raises Funds for Community Programs with Keynote from Star of Netflix Hit Raising Dion

EASTON- River Crossing YMCA hosted Ja’Siah Young, star of Netflix’s hit family show, Raising Dion, as the keynote speaker at its fourth annual Lehigh Valley Community Gala on Nov. 9 at Centennial Catering & Conference Center in Center Valley.

Over 250 guests attended the Masquerade-themed gala, raising over $170,000 to support YMCA financial assistance and community impact programs, including $50,000 in the “Send Kids To Camp” effort, which makes camp scholarships possible for families who otherwise would not be able to enroll their children in Y summer camp.

The event, entitled Masquerade Gala, featured both live and silent auctions to support River Crossing YMCA community impact programs. These include the Allentown Warming Station, which provides beds and meals for the unhoused during the cold months (November-April), and YMCA feeding programs for children, families and seniors throughout the association. River Crossing YMCA provides the community over $12 million annually in the form of programs and financial assistance. More information about these programs can be found at the pathways webpage. 

Young, who is 13, spoke about his exciting acting career, as well as what it is like to be a young star growing up in Easton. Young and his family have attended programs and swim lessons at the Easton branch of River Crossing YMCA throughout his life.

“I’m often asked, ‘What’s it like to have a hit show?’” Young shared during his address. “It’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s new, interesting and fun!” Young emphasized how important it was that his mother took him seriously when he first declared his desire to be an actor at a very young age. Ja’Siah went on to talk about his life growing up in Easton and being involved at the YMCA.

“I was on a soccer team at the Y and I learned to swim at the Y. It’s a safe place for kids to go, and kids need safe places

 to be themselves and follow their dreams.”

Young was introduced by Easton Mayor Sal Panto, who pointed out the importance of the YMCA in Easton. 

“The Y has been a steadfast partner in supporting the youth and families in Easton, and throughout my time as Mayor, I've seen firsthand how the Y strengthens our community.”

The Masquerade Gala program also featured special guest Hanna O’Reilly, current social media manager for Discover Lehigh Valley and former Y camp counselor. Awards were presented to Y Champion Award Winners the Bajan Family, the County of Lehigh, and Two Rivers Health & Wellness Foundation. 

The Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 Masquerade Gala was Lehigh Valley Health Network. Silver Sponsors were United Federal Credit Union and Wind Creek Bethlehem. A complete listing of all thirty-four generous community sponsors can be found at https://RCYGALA.givesmart.com.

Photo captions (above)

Ja’Siah Young, 13, known for his acting role as Dion Warren in Netflix’s Raising Dion delivered the keynote speech at River Crossing YMCA’s Lehigh Valley Masquerade Gala on November 9 at Centennial Catering and Conference Center in Center Valley. 

(Photo courtesy of Marco Calderon Photography)

Trish Feinthel, COO of River Crossing YMCA, spoke at the gala about the future of River Crossing YMCA since the July merging of Greater Valley YMCA and YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “We’ve created a Future Vision Task Force composed of board members, staff and volunteers from the Lehigh Valley to make sure the Y shows up for our neighbors for the next 100 years.” (Photo courtesy of Marco Calderon Photography)

Mayor Sal Panto of Easton introduced keynote speaker Ja’Siah Young at River Crossing YMCA’s Lehigh Valley Masquerade Gala on November 9 at Centennial Catering and Conference Center in Center Valley. (Photo courtesy of Marco Calderon Photography)

Jaslynn Cruz and DeeNola Lowry represented River Crossing YMCA’s community impact at the Masquerade Gala. “When I started treatments for cancer, the Y offered me a scholarship so that my children could attend camp and I could focus on my health,” Cruz shared. (Photo courtesy of Marco Calderon Photography)

River Crossing YMCA Lehigh Valley regional leadership stand with 2024 Y Champions: Melissa Brown, executive director of Easton, Nazareth and Suburban North YMCA branches of River Crossing YMCA, Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong, Lori Metz, Sr. Director of Community Initiatives for River Crossing YMCA, Melissa Flores, office manager of Two Rivers Health & Wellness Foundation, Tiffany Henning, executive director of Allentown, Bethlehem and Slate Belt branches of River Crossing YMCA, Legacy Y volunteers Stephen Bajan II, Janis Bajan and Stephen Bajan, and Crystal Messer, VP of operations, Lehigh Valley region of River Crossing YMCA. (Photo courtesy of Marco Calderon Photography)