The 26th Annual Hoedown at Sundown was held at the Agua Caliente Resort Spa Casino on November 9th. This fun western themed event raises money for the YMCA of the Desert. The guests came is western garb with Cowboy hats and boots. This is a much anticipated party that helps the YMCA’s 44 sites in the Valley thru live and silent auctions. There were 11 live auction items that went to the highest bidder that included Tickets to the BNP Paribas Tennis Open, The Sinatra Golf tournament parties, Many trips and even a BBQ dinner for 50 guests.
The western theme was thru out the area with roping games, put the rope ring on the cowboy boot and others all during the cocktail hour. Guests could get their photos taken by the local jail backdrop. Guests were called to the dining area with a horn. Billy Erickson and the Bandits played western and contemporary music during the BBQ buffet dinner and provided dance music after dinner. There were large square tables with red and white checkered tablecloths and white painted chairs for the guests.
The emcee, Patrick Evens, introduced several of the YMCA dignitaries and asked them to stand to be recognized. He then introduced the Live Auction Auctioneer and his 2 sons that were really great. The auction had a sound like you have heard on TV of cattle and horse auctions, a bit of an echo and a lot of auctioneer banter.
The YMCA serves over 3400 children with before and after-school programs. The Y also aids with financial assistance and has child care programs. Youth sports and fitness in a big priority as it helps build self esteem. All monies raised with go directly to the YMCA for all its many programs.
