Taste of the South Shore 2024 scores a home run for Y kids

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, the South Shore YMCA transformed its Hale Family YMCA branch in Quincy into a “field house of dreams” to host the Taste of the South Shore, the area’s premier tasting event and the signature fundraiser for the South Shore YMCA association. This is the first time that “The Taste” was hosted onsite at the YMCA in its 26-year history, and the presence and support of over 550 guests made the event a true home run.

Chefs representing the South Shore’s finest restaurants, bakeries, and catering companies prepared and personally served gourmet tastings, while local breweries, distilleries, and beverage companies served samples from “upscale concessions” stands. From tantalizing tastings to refreshing sips, each one of the thirty vendors brought their best to the table, delighting guests and elevating the entire experience. Congratulations to Brian Houlihan’s team at Eat Local for winning “Top Taste” and to Rustic Spirits, led by Vytas Makstutis, for capturing the title of “Top Sip.”

Co-hosted by Karen and Rob Hale, this year’s Taste of the South Shore event raised over $365,000 to ensure that no child in the community is ever turned away from experiencing the transformative power of youth programs and sports at the Y.

“Your generosity has opened doors of opportunity for countless children, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive both on and off the field,” said South Shore YMCA President and CEO, Paul Gorman to attendees.

Guests entered the event through the YMCA Hallway of Heroes, celebrating the many professional and everyday athletes who got their start through Y sports. “Hosting this unforgettable evening within the walls of our Hale Family YMCA branch allows us to showcase the places where magic truly happens,” added Gorman. “From the joy of learning a new sport to the exhilaration of friendly competition, every corner of our Y embodies the spirit of growth, community, and endless possibilities for kids.”

At the President’s Club reception before the event, Mayor Thomas Koch spoke of the vital role the Y plays in the city of Quincy and beyond. “The YMCA is essential to our community. It is where hundreds of Quincy kids gather each day to play and connect in a place where they feel safe and welcomed.” The mayor also thanked Dan Quirk, Founder and CEO of Quirk Auto, and host Rob Hale, Founder and CEO of Granite Telecommunications, for their generous support of the Y and the Quincy community.

“Why do we support the YMCA? It’s very simple,” shared Rob Hale. “I adore the Y and I always will. I adore Quincy, and one of the best parts of Quincy — the pillars of the Quincy community — is the Y community. It helps people who need help. It brings us all closer. For me, for Karen, the ability to help the Y is the ability to help our whole community. And we are humbled and honored to do it.” In 2022, the Hale Family YMCA was named in appreciation of the Hales’ generous gifts to the Y.

South Shore YMCA executive board member Jim Dunphy, President and CEO of South Shore Bank, interviewed Justin Daley, a shining star on the South Shore YMCA Lob-Stars adaptive tennis team, whose heartfelt testimony on the transformative power of belonging to the Y community inspired and touched hearts.

“The Y is where everyone belongs on the team,” said Paul Gorman. “Sports help teach kids to be strong in spirit, mind, and body. The skills and lessons learned will stay with them for life. At the Y, all kids can learn and play without fear, with inclusive, adaptive, recreational, and competitive sports programs and teams where every kid has a chance to be their best.”

The South Shore YMCA thanked all the amazing food and beverage partners for donating their time and talents to make the Taste of the South Shore 2024 one that will always be remembered. Chefs were given the theme of “upscale concessions” and they delivered, creatively incorporating the theme of Y sports into amazing gourmet dishes, confections, and beverages for guests to sample.

The Taste would not be possible without the support of its donors, committees and partners. The South Shore YMCA also thanked this year’s event co-hosts Karen and Rob Hale and the entire Host Committee, who assisted in gathering and delighting over 550 guests, as well as The Taste Planning Committee, led by co-chairs Julie Ellis and David Lombardo, whose dedication, hard work and creativity helped transform the Hale Family Y field house into a spectacular venue, where guests enjoyed amazing food and drink, celebrated with friends old and new, and danced to live music performed by area favorite, The Smoking Jackets.

To view the photo gallery and see a full list of our sponsors, committee members and partners in The Taste Program Guide, visit ssymca.org/taste2024

It's never too late to be part of the Y team

Help the South Shore YMCA ensure that youth sports programming is available to all kids, regardless of ability to pay. Donate to help more kids realize their dreams through the transformative power of sports and recreation at the Y. Visit ssymca.org/taste2024 to learn more or donate online.

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About the South Shore YMCA

The South Shore YMCA is a leading charitable organization dedicated to strengthening community through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of the South Shore and beyond with Y branches in Quincy and Hanover, the Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its membership, services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.