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Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN -- On Saturday, McGuffey Centre organizers will revive McGuffey Day, a signature community tradition, as part of the center's centennial celebration.
The event will take place 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at McGuffey Centre, 1649 Jacobs Road, Youngstown.
McGuffey Day will be more than an anniversary celebration. It will be a community homecoming bringing together generations of former campers, athletes, employees, volunteers, neighborhood families and supporters while celebrating the children and families McGuffey serves today.
"Reviving McGuffey Day is about more than bringing back an event," said Cirell Howard, CEO of McGuffey Centre. "It is about bringing people home, honoring those who built and protected this Centre, celebrating the young people and families we serve today, and reminding this community that McGuffey's next 100 years belong to all of us."
Violinist Andrew Christian Brundidge will perform at noon.
At 12:30 p.m., Howard will open the Centennial Recognitions with remarks reflecting on her first year leading McGuffey Centre, what it has meant to serve in this space and why a community center is only as strong as the community surrounding it. She also will share her determined vision to expand and grow the Centre, increase its impact and bring the community together for good.
Youngstown Mayor Derrick McDowell and all three Mahoning County commissioners have confirmed their attendance. Centennial recognitions are expected from Mahoning County, the Youngstown City School District, the city of Youngstown and the Ohio Senate.
Saturday's McGuffey Day will feature food trucks, an outdoor market, bounce houses, a water slide, Touch-a-Truck vehicles, a photo booth, line dancing, live music, basket raffles and community storytelling. Guests also will be asked to fill out a survey to help shape the future of the McGuffey Centre.
"McGuffey Day will honor the people and families whose leadership, sacrifice and service helped build, preserve and strengthen the Centre. It will also celebrate the children and families who represent McGuffey's future," Howard said.
The event is open to the community. Former campers, athletes, employees, volunteers, neighborhood residents and anyone whose life has been touched by McGuffey Centre are especially encouraged to return, reconnect and become part of the next chapter.
Golf carts will be available to assist seniors and guests with mobility needs between parking areas and McGuffey Centre.
FUNDRAISER LAUNCHED
As the McGuffey Centre celebrates 100 years of serving Youngstown's East Side, the Centre is launching 100 for 100, a centennial fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $100,000 to support its future.
The campaign begins with a simple community challenge: find 100 individuals, families, alumni, businesses, churches and organizations willing to give at least $100 in honor of McGuffey Centre's 100 years of service.
Those first 100 gifts would raise $10,000 and create the foundation for the larger $100,000 campaign.
The campaign will then grow through additional community donations, corporate sponsorships, business and organizational support, larger individual gifts, recurring contributions and matching opportunities.
"Reaching 100 years is something worth celebrating, but we also have to be honest about what it takes to keep a community center like McGuffey strong," Howard said. "We are asking our alumni, former members, families and everyone who believes McGuffey matters to help us build what comes next."
McGuffey Centre is continuing to rebuild programs, strengthen its operations and address needs within its aging facility. Funds raised through 100 for 100 will help support building and safety needs, operating expenses, equipment and supplies, youth and family programs, senior programming and the organizational capacity needed to grow.
The campaign is designed so supporters can participate at different levels. Individuals can give $100 or another amount that works for them. Businesses and corporations can participate through sponsorships or larger contributions. Churches, organizations and community groups can also give, raise funds or help bring additional supporters into the campaign.
"Our first 100 supporters are important because they show that the community is standing behind McGuffey," Howard said. "But $10,000 is the starting point. Our goal is $100,000, and getting there will take individuals, businesses, corporate partners, churches, organizations and people who understand what this Centre means to the East Side."
Supporters can contribute online or give in person at McGuffey Centre.
Give online: https://square.link/u/dIz9uO4a.