“The idea of a ceilidh came from the YCCAC fundraising team two years ago,” said Brad Bohon, communications director for the health, education, and social services agency based in Sanford. “We were trying to find a unique fundraising idea to help support our programs and services. Most of our ‘sister’ organizations, like Caring Unlimited, York County Shelter, and York County United Way, have their own ‘signature’ fundraisers, and we didn’t want to copy them. So we did some research and, after finding that nearly 50 percent of the residents of York County have some Irish or Scottish ancestry, we decided to host a fundraiser that touched on that theme.”
A traditional ceilidh would include the reciting of old poems and legendary stories that deal with ancient beliefs, some to song and music. But ceilidhs have changed over time. Today, in many Irish and Scottish cities and towns, ceilidhs may be held in church halls or town halls, barns, community centers, even in parks or town squares. And while some ceilidhs still incorporate storytelling and authentic costume, others rely more on music, dance and plenty of food and drink.
The one attribute that has remained constant is that a ceilidh is a community gathering. Old and young partake in the lively experience of singing, dancing, joining in playing musical instruments (if so inclined), and enjoying an evening among friends.
The YCCAC ceilidh includes a silent auction, with donated goods from local businesses, organizations, clubs, and friends of YCCAC.
“We’ve got quite a collection of baskets of goods to auction off,” Bohon said. “There are so many generous people in York County-folks who support our programs and, more importantly, our mission, that we’re getting new items to place at auction every day.”
Tickets for the event are $15 for adults, $7.50 for age 5 to 16, and free for the ‘wee ones (4 and under). The tickets can be purchased at the YCCAC office complex at 6 Spruce Street in Sanford, or online at www.yccacfundraiser.com.
“We’re hoping for another large turnout this year,” Bohon said. “Last year we had guests come from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and even one couple from Sacramento, California.”
Bohon said that guests can dress in regular street clothes or full Scottish attire, complete with kilt, sporran, and Longwing brogues. “We had a few in Highland dress at our ceilidh last year,” Bohon said. “The outfits were really quite beautiful.”
The Irish dance trio “Boghat” will perform traditional Irish and Scottish music at the fundraiser.
“If you’ve never taken part in an authentic Celtic experience, then you really should join us for our ceilidh and silent auction,” Bohon said. “We’re going to have a great time, and it’s all for a good cause.”
For more information about the event, call Ericka Sanborn, YCCAC volunteer coordinator, at 324-5762, ext. 2938.
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