YMCA's Saturday Night Lights Event a Success

The New Tampa Family YMCA’s annual Saturday Night Lights tailgating fund-raiser was touchdown-worthy.

Part of New Tampa’s Annual Community Support Campaign, Saturday Night Lights was held Oct. 13 this year.

“The New Tampa Y is grateful for all the community support over the years and to our many Board members and volunteers who make this event and the Y a cornerstone of the community!” said Kathy Rabon, a Tampa-area YMCA spokeswoman.

Attendees wore jerseys supporting their favorite football teams and sampled food and drink from local restaurants — all while watching football games on the big screen. Tickets were $50 in advance, $70 at the door.

Money raised will go directly into the New Tampa community.

“On an annual basis, the New Tampa YMCA provides over $325,000 every year to children and families in the New Tampa community so everyone has access to our facility and programs,” Rabon said. “For 2012, the Annual Community Support Campaign raised over $141,000 including proceeds from Saturday Night Lights.

"The numbers of families and children benefiting from contributions varies depending on the needs of each family and the programs in which they are involved but they always out-pace contributions,” she added.