Article Photos

DEWITTVILLE - The eighth annual dinner dancewas held recently at the 1938 Darrah Dining Hall at YMCA Camp Onyahsa located directly on Chautauqua Lake in Dewittville.

More than 150 people attended the dinner dance, which raised more than $15,000 for the not-for-profit children's program and helped to celebrate the camp's historic mission and current service to the community. Samuel P. Price Jr. was honored as the recipient of the YMCA's 2009 Paul B. Sullivan Lifetime Service Award.

"This is an award that Sam Price richly deserves,'' said Mike Lyons, YMCA board member. ''He has served the Y since 1983 as a volunteer, board member, board president and currently as a trustee. Sam was heavily involved in the creation of the Lakewood branch and in the major renovation and expansion of the Fourth Street facility."

The evening featured live music performed by Brad Jones and Friends, as well as dancing, dinner catered by Marsha Flowers, a give away of a hand-painted and finished steamer trunk donated by Skid Proctor and many unique, one-of-a-kind silent and live auction items. Sponsors were the Judith J. Anderson Family Foundation, J. Bradford and Paula Morris and National Fuel Gas Corp. Auction items were provided by Bill Schettine, Chautauqua Institution, The Jamestown Fire Department, Claire Sleggs, Fancher Chair (Bruce Erickson), Mary Rapaport and the YMCA.

''Not-for-profit organizations like ours rely on volunteers and financial supporters, and we are very grateful to these supporters tonight,'' said Jon O'Brian, camp director.

Other volunteers who contributed to the event include Anderson Cleaners, Brigiotta's, David Brown, Brad Jones & Friends, Joyce Sechler, Arthur R. Gren Inc., Southern Tier Brewing Company and the student volunteers from Maple Grove High School.

For more information on Camp Onyahsa programs and events, visit www.onyahsa.org or call Bev Lubi at 664-2802, ext. 238.