YMCA of South Florida raises critical funds at its 2025 Beach Ball Gala to support life-saving water safety and drowning prevention programs

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – More than 500 community leaders, advocates, and supporters came together in a spectacular celebration on November 14, 2025, for the YMCA of South Florida’s annual Beach Ball Gala, this year themed Olympian Tides. The event, held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, not only dazzled attendees with its festive atmosphere but also made a significant impact in funding the Y’s water safety and drowning prevention programs across South Florida. With the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino serving as Title Sponsor and Nicklaus Children’s as Presenting Sponsor, the gala brought together people from across the region who share a commitment to keeping children safe around water.

The evening began with a lively cocktail reception, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy the festive atmosphere before moving into dinner, live musical performances, dancing, and the excitement of both live and silent auctions. The gala has long been a highlight of the YMCA’s fundraising calendar, and this year was no exception, blending community celebration with a powerful mission.

During the gala, the YMCA of South Florida presented its esteemed Lifesaver Award, honoring cities and community leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to drowning prevention and water safety. This year, the recognition went to a select group of cities in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, whose mayors and fire chiefs have partnered with the YMCA in meaningful ways over the years.

“Even with all our individual resources, no single organization has the power to solve the drowning crisis alone,” said YMCA of South Florida President and CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “Drowning is preventable, but it takes government leaders, first responders, nonprofits and families coming together and working side by side to multiply our impact and protect our children. Here in South Florida, our cities are a shining example of that collaboration, and I’m proud to present them with this very deserving honor.”

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The cities recognized for their ongoing support and partnership included Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Weston, Pembroke Pines, and the Village of Palmetto Bay. Each has contributed to the YMCA’s mission in unique ways, from funding local pools and building new facilities to championing swim lessons and providing programs for children with special needs.

The City of Fort Lauderdale, for example, has invested in water safety through the YMCA of South Florida pools at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center and the future Holiday Park YMCA. Hallandale Beach partnered with the Y to create a full-service YMCA within a city park, complete with a pool already saving lives. Hollywood, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, continues to support swim lessons and broader YMCA programs throughout the community. Weston has contributed to multiple initiatives, including Veterans Day celebrations and crucial water safety programs, while Pembroke Pines has focused on aquatics programs for children with special needs, notably through the Y’s Swim Buddies initiative. Finally, the Village of Palmetto Bay has embraced the YMCA as part of its community, with Mayor Karyn Cunningham actively supporting swim lessons and the new pool slated to open in 2026.

The gala also highlighted the measurable impact of the YMCA’s work in water safety. Studies show that formal swimming lessons can reduce childhood drowning risk by nearly 90 percent, and since the Beach Ball’s inception in 2016, the Y has provided drowning prevention and water safety education to over 225,000 children and families across local communities. These programs are funded in part by gala proceeds and the generosity of donors and sponsors.

Beyond its permanent Family Center pools, the YMCA of South Florida operates a Mobile Aquatics program, bringing swim lessons to community pools throughout the region. The organization also collaborates with partners on public service announcements and poolside signage to promote water safety. Each year, complimentary lessons are offered during the Y’s annual Swim for Jenny in March, reaching even more children and families with life-saving education.

“This year’s Beach Ball Gala was a tremendous success,” Woods said. “We want to thank our amazing sponsors, donors, host committee and guests for making Beach Ball: Olympian Tides an unforgettable success. Because of their support, we are able to touch and transform 3,900 lives, ensuring access to vital aquatic programs and opportunities that make waves of lasting change.”

In addition to the Title and Presenting Sponsors, Beach Ball 2025 received support from Titanium Sponsors Brown & Brown Insurance Miami-Dade and Seminole Media Productions; Diamond Sponsors Bacardi USA, Publix Super Markets Charities, and Related; and Platinum Plus Sponsor Milner, Inc., among others. The collective contributions from these organizations helped secure funding for critical initiatives that directly save lives and promote water safety across the region.

The gala’s combination of celebration and mission-driven impact underscores the YMCA’s position as a leading community organization for water safety and drowning prevention. The event not only raises crucial funds but also brings attention to the ongoing need for education and resources to prevent childhood drowning, which remains a leading cause of unintentional death among children.

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Attendees left the event inspired and aware of the difference their contributions make in the lives of children and families. The evening reinforced the message that community partnerships—between government leaders, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and families—are essential to protecting children and creating safe, inclusive environments where every child can learn to swim and thrive.

For more information about the YMCA of South Florida, its programs, and its drowning prevention initiatives, visit YMCASouthFlorida.org. With continued support from the community, the YMCA aims to expand its programs further in the coming years, ensuring that more children gain the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe in and around water.