Over 200 guests packed the Penobscot Bay YMCA’s Boogie for the Babes benefit at the Rockport Opera House on Saturday, May 4, supporting the Y’s Early Child Care programs.

The event showcased live music from two local bands. Minivan Carpool set the stage with an electrifying performance, offering a blend of nostalgia, rhythm, and unforgettable melodies. The Watts Hall Band then took the spotlight with their dynamic presence. This vocally-driven, 11-piece ensemble, complete with a full horn section, mesmerizing keyboards, soulful sax solos, and gripping guitar leads, delivered high-energy renditions of danceable rock, blues, and R&B favorites. The dance floor was packed as guests enjoyed the music.

In between sets, the crowd learned about the need for affordable child care in the Midcoast. “At the Y, we are faced with an impossible financial task of how do we keep child care affordable for working families, while also increasing wages and benefits for child care teachers so that our teachers can live and thrive in the Midcoast”, said Whitney Files, CEO. “Our YMCA child care has remained open because of support from this amazing Midcoast community that we all love so much. We launched a campaign in 2022 to fund operational costs of our child care and the community answered us! Thank you for being a part of the solution.”

The benefit was led by volunteer committee members Grace Chen (chair), Annemarie Ahearn, Ariel Hall, Nicole Emery, Ali Thumith, and Alissa Hessler. Special thanks to the generous event sponsors CedarWorks, Allen Insurance | Financial and Midcoast Sports Exchange. 

To make a gift to support the Y’s Child Care Program, please visit penbayymca.org/give/child-care-campaign/. At the Y, we are for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.