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YMCA of Metro Atlanta

HOST A PARTY. BUILD COMMUNITY. MAKE AN IMPACT.

Thank you for having an interest in hosting a YMCA Party With A Purpose! You can turn your next dinner party, birthday, BBQ, office gathering, or golf outing into a fundraiser for your local YMCA branch. 

Your willingness to open your home or favorite venue for this event plays a key role in advancing the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s mission to build communities where everyone belongs. Thank you! 

The goal for this gathering is simple: to raise awareness and generate financial support by connecting individuals to the life-changing work of the YMCA. This is a chance to share the incredible impact the Y has on kids, teens, and families in our community—and to inspire others to join us in our mission. 

A Party with a Purpose creates the opportunity to tell the YMCA story and invite others to be part of that impact. This guide will walk you through the essentials of planning and hosting your event. 

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A Party with a Purpose is most effective when it includes people you know—friends, neighbors, colleagues—at a gathering you normally host, with an infusion of mission and purpose. 

Think of individuals in your network who might be interested in learning more about the YMCA’s work in our community. This could be an annual family gathering, book club, tennis group, workplace peers, neighbors, church group, etc. 

Your event can take whatever form feels most natural to you—brunch, backyard BBQ, cocktail hour, or coffee gathering. Any party or gathering can transform into a Party with a Purpose! 

  • Send out invitations (or a Save the Date) as early as possible to secure space on calendars.
  • Follow up with a personal phone call to encourage attendance.
  • Set the stage—share why the YMCA’s mission matters to you, and why you're inviting them to learn more. 
  • Begin the formal portion of the event around 30 minutes after guests arrive. 
  • Limit remarks to under 15 minutes—keep it impactful and engaging. 
  • Use the provided talking points or create your own message that highlights why you support the YMCA and the difference it makes in our community. 
  • Consider inviting a YMCA representative or board member to speak alongside you. 
  • As host, your voice is powerful—your commitment makes your message even more compelling. 
  • Coordinate with YMCA staff in advance to have brochures, flyers, pledge cards and other materials available that explain the Y’s programs and mission and facilitate a response to give.
  • You'll receive a toolkit of materials that we kindly ask you to set up in a visible area at the party for guests to browse and take.
  • Encourage guests to share their contact information if they’d like to stay informed or get involved. 
  • Send a thank you note or email to each attendee. 
  • Share your final guest list and any key notes with YMCA staff—especially if guests showed interest in visiting a Y location or learning more. 
  • Think about inviting guests to future YMCA events like Leadership & Legacy, the Y-CEO Golf Tournament, or local branch events. What will the next step in their YMCA journey be? 
  • Choose date, event location and book catering (3-6 months out) 
  • Schedule planning call with YMCA staff to review date, logistics, and materials (3 months out) 
  • Identify and invite guests (6-8 weeks out) 
  • Confirm receipt of event kit (1 month out) 
  • Finalize event agenda with YMCA staff (2 weeks prior) 
  • Personally follow up with guests (1 week prior) 
  • Send thank you notes (1–2 weeks after event) 

With your help, we can bring more people into the YMCA family and offer programs that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, especially for those who need us most. Thank you again for being a host and an advocate for the Y. YOUR SUPPORT CHANGES LIVES! 

Email Ebony Anderson ebonya@ymcaatlanta.org with any questions as you plan your Party With A Purpose 

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