BROCKTON – On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Old Colony YMCA brought together community leaders, supporters, and partners for an inspiring evening at its 9th Annual Rise Up Gala. The event, held at the Quincy Marriott and hosted by WBZ-TV’s Levan Reid alongside Autumn Wilson, an Old Colony Y camp participant known as the “News Girl” for her upbeat interviews and video updates on the Y’s social channels, raised more than $677,000 to strengthen programs that serve people across the region. The evening celebrated the power of community coming together to invest in brighter futures.

Over the past nine years, the Rise Up Gala has generated more than $5.4 million, allowing Old Colony YMCA to expand and sustain essential services throughout the 31 cities and towns it serves. This year’s program featured a heartfelt testimonial from Rosemary Jensen, who shared the profound impact the Y has had on her and her family.

Guests also had the opportunity to meet participants from the Y’s Kidz Konnect program, who showcased their artwork and introduced themselves to attendees. Their involvement offered a meaningful look at the creativity, confidence, and growth the program fosters.

This year’s Gala honored two key partners in Old Colony YMCA’s mission: Kathy and Russ Martorana, recipients of the Leadership Award, and Kaydon Group, along with its divisions Florence Electric and Kaydon Integrated Technologies, recipients of the Call to Action Award.

“Strong partners lift each other up, and Kathy and Russ truly embody that,” said Charlie Clifford, President & CEO. “They represent leadership at its best: humble, steady, and deeply committed to serving others.”

In recognizing Kaydon Group, Clifford added: “Kaydon steps up year after year, especially around the holidays, completing major electrical projects at our facilities and supporting our giving initiatives. They don’t just believe in giving back, they live it, and we’re fortunate to have them as partners.”

The evening concluded with a successful Fund-a-Need segment led by Tom Rogers of FB Insure and Old Colony Y’s News Girl, Autumn Wilson.

Old Colony YMCA extends its heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, volunteers, supporters, and attendees who helped make this year’s Rise Up Gala a powerful celebration of community impact. Major contributors include: Kaydon Group and its divisions Florence Electric & Kaydon Integrated Technologies, FBinsure, Bristol County Savings Bank, D'Angelo Real Estate, Chuck & Carol Dockendorff, Hologic, Florence Family Foundation, Arbella Insurance Foundation, Aftermath Management Group, Ms. Barbara Hassan, Rockland Recovery, North Easton Savings Bank, Stonebridge Homes, Inc., W.B. Mason, Douglas A. King Builders, Eastern Bank Foundation, Suffolk Cares, Lynne & Bill Payne, and Auburn Construction.