Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Just when you find yourself wondering, “Is all this effort worthwhile? Does anyone really know or appreciate what the Y is doing to help others?”—an event like this past Saturday night’s Bluegrass and Barbecue Bash occurs and we see first-hand the answers to those questions.

Folks who supported this annual fundraiser proved, through their generosity, that people in Mathews do care and are indeed supportive of the Y’s mission. Thank you all. You truly opened your hearts and your pocketbooks for this most worthwhile event and I think most of you had a fun time as well.

The thanks go to many: Our BBQ Chef, Allen Ishmael; Nelda Gibbs for the tasty “sides”; Anne Foster, owner of Kingston Plantation; Ralph Motley and the superb bluegrass group, Last Minute Grass; our local merchants who donated so many items for both the silent and live auctions and those who provided monetary sponsorships; our YMCA board and staff wh...