The YMCA of South Florida is making waves this fall with its annual Beach Ball Gala, themed Olympian Tides, on Saturday, October 4 beginning with The Gathering at 6:30, followed by The Feast and continuing with The Bacchanalia at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood to support the Y’s water safety and drowning prevention initiatives.

The Beach Ball Gala brings together more than 600 passionate community leaders, advocates, and supporters to raise critical funds that help save lives. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner, live musical entertainment, dancing and a live and silent auction during this enchanting evening filled with inspiration, entertainment and purpose.

All proceeds support financial assistance for the Y’s aquatics programs, which include free and subsidized swim lessons for underserved youth, wet and dry safety lessons, Swim for Jenny and resources for families to prevent drowning tragedies. With Florida still leading the nation in child drownings, the Y is committed to making sure every child and family has access to swim lessons, education and safe aquatic experiences, regardless of their background or ability to pay. The YMCA also highlights underwater hypoxic blackout which occurs when someone who is playing breath holding games experiences accidental blackout, leading to rapid drowning. This can happen to anyone of any age and is an even bigger risk for strong swimmers.

For more information on Beach Ball 2025, including sponsorships and tickets, please visit ymcasouthflorida.org/beach-ball/. For sponsorship opportunities or additional questions, please contact Aimee Fretwell at AFretwell@YMCASouthFlorida.org or at 954-334-9622, ext. 1045.