16th Annual
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Beau Rivage Resort and Casino
Beau Rivage Resort and Casino
John R. Blossman Humanitarian
Community Support Campaign
When You Give to the Y, You
Strengthen Our Community
When You Give to the Y, You Strengthen Our Community the nation’s leading dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA uses to make a impact here on the Mississippi Gulf
Across our 9 branches and program centers, the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA serves 232 neighborhoods throughout Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Harrison and Hancock reaching 17,291 members and program annually.
As the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA uses your gift to make a meaningful, lasting impact right here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Across our 9 branches and program centers, the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA serves 232 neighborhoods throughout Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Harrison and Hancock counties, reaching 17,291 members and program participants annually.
Through the YMCA Financial Assistance Program, children, families, and individuals in need receive discounted access to Y membership and life changing programs. With our Open Door Policy, we ensure that no one is turned away due to financial hardship.
Through the YMCA Financial Assistance Program, children, families, and individuals in need receive discounted access to Y membership and life changing programs. With our Open Door Policy, we ensure that no one is turned away due to financial hardship.
In 2024 alone, the Y $412,366 in financial assistance and free remove cost as a barrier to essential services.
In 2024 alone, the Y provided $412,366 in financial assistance and free community-based programs, helping remove cost as a barrier to essential services.
That support helped:
That support helped:
695 kids attend before & after school care and summer camp
8,582 participants gain lifesaving skills through swim lessons and water safety classes, including every 3rd grader in Ocean Springs
8,582 participants gain lifesaving skills through swim lessons and water safety classes, including every 3rd grader in Ocean Springs
1,395 children benefit from our mobile outreach program, Y on the Fly members group classes each week to health and wellness
1,395 children benefit from our mobile outreach program, Y on the Fly Community members join 100+ group exercise classes each week to improve health and wellness
Community Support Campaign
Community Support Campaign
The Community Support Campaign is our fundraising vehicle for the YMCA Financial Assistance Program. Donations received directly support the scholarships and subsidized programs offered throughout the year.
The Community Support Campaign is our fundraising vehicle for the YMCA Financial Assistance Program. Donations received directly support the scholarships and subsidized programs offered throughout the year.
What Makes Up the Community Support Campaign?
What Makes Up the Community Support Campaign?
There are two key components:
There are two key components:
John R. Blossman Humanitarian Award & Charity Banquet – Held annually at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, this event through table sponsorships, ticket sales, and a silent auction. Individual and Donations of size access and equity for all in communities.
1 1. .John R. Blossman Humanitarian Award & Charity Banquet – Held annually at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, this inspiring event raises funds through table sponsorships, ticket sales, and a silent auction. 2 2. .Individual and Company Donations – Contributions of any size help ensure access and equity for all in our communities.
What the John R. Blossman Humanitarian Award?
What is the John R. Blossman Humanitarian Award?
All R. Coast. A servant and philanthropist, John spent much of his life supporting organizations that uplifted The award named in his honor is presented each year to an individual who exemplifies his spirit of compassion, and commitment to community.
All who knew John R. Blossman remember his deep love for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A dedicated public servant and philanthropist, John spent much of his life supporting organizations that uplifted others. The award named in his honor is presented each year to an individual who exemplifies his spirit of service, compassion, and commitment to community.
Past Honorees
Meet our Honoree
Accomplished community leader.
Accomplished community leader. With a lifetime of dedication to public service, Billy recently completed a third term of office as Mayor of Gulfport, choosing to return to the private sector after 32 combined years in elected office. His reputation for building relationships based on collaborative partnerships and customer service will serve to augment continued engagement in public affairs through the family insurance and real estate business.
public service, Billy recently completed term Mayor Gulfport, choosing to return to private sector years in office. reputation building relationships partnerships and customer service serve to augment continued engagement in public affairs through the family insurance and real estate business.
Billy’s approach to government, business, and community matters has led to appointments at the local, state, and federal levels. With a propensity for creative planning, decisive deliberation, and meaningful outcomes, his tenure as an advisory board member on two federal committees resulted in positive impacts to Americaʼs first responder communities and new insights as to the functioning of our National Park System. As a 20-year veteran of the Mississippi Senate, he was directly involved in leadership decisions, crafting policy measures for the benefit of all Mississippians. His visionary leadership paved the way for implementation of opportunity zones, spurring new public sector incentives for investments and addressing blight. These measures were augmented by construction of the Mississippi Aquarium, creation of Mississippi's largest holiday attraction (the month-long Harbor Lights Winter Festival), rebirth of the regional Job Corps Center, expansion of recreational/sports facilities, and transformation of an abandoned VA property into the South's newest resort attraction, Centennial Plaza. Support for the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Blue Initiative has helped to foster research and development prospects and jobs creation through emerging Blue Economy prospects at the State Port.
Billy’s approach to government, and community matters has led to appointments at the state, and federal levels. With a propensity for creative planning, decisive and meaningful outcomes, his tenure as an advisory board member on two federal committees resulted in positive impacts to Americaʼs first responder communities and new insights as to the functioning of our National Park System. As a 20-year veteran of the Mississippi Senate, he was directly involved in leadership decisions, crafting policy measures for the benefit of all Mississippians. His visionary leadership paved the way for implementation of opportunity zones, spurring new public sector incentives for investments and addressing blight. These measures were augmented by construction of the Mississippi Aquarium, creation of Mississippi's largest holiday attraction (the month-long Harbor Lights Winter Festival), rebirth of the regional Job Corps Center, expansion of recreational/sports facilities, and transformation of an abandoned VA into the South's newest resort attraction, Centennial Plaza. Support for the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Blue Initiative has helped to foster research and development and jobs creation through Blue Economy at the State Port.
Hewes's penchant for collaboration and candor enabled creation of grass roots coalitions across the region, with the “One Coast” initiative and “Better Way to Give” awareness campaign bringing about a better understanding of economic development opportunities, as well as improvements to quality-oflife measures along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Stressing that Gulfport is, "Open for Business, and Geared for a Good Time!" and “Anchored in Excellence,” Mayor Hewes fostered unprecedented growth, implementing more efficient, transparent, and responsive procedures, creating growth catalysts changing the economic and physical complexion of the community. He is most proud of the team of professionals he assembled and partnered with in these various capacities.
Hewes's penchant for collaboration and candor enabled creation of grass roots coalitions across the with the “One Coast” initiative and “Better Way to Give” awareness bringing about a better understanding of development as well as quality-oflife Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Stressing Gulfport is, for Business, Geared for Good Time!" “Anchored in Excellence,” fostered implementing efficient, responsive creating growth changing economic physical of community. is of of professionals partnered in various capacities.
Why the YMCA?
Our Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all
Our Cause: At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. That's why we focus our work in three areas:
Youth Development - Nurturing the potential of every child and teen
Healthy Living - Improving the nation's health and well-being
Social Responsibility - Giving back and providing support
Your support makes it possible for our Y to serve all ages, life stages and abilities:
Over 68,656 swimming lessons and Water Safety Classes across the coast 100 Lifeguards trained annually
695 Youth in Before and Afterschool Care & Summer Camps
580 Youth participate in Y Sports Leagues where everyone plays regardless of ability level 17,291 youth and adults served annually
Y on the Fly Mobile Unit serving all 6 counties (Pearl River, Stone, George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson
Youth Summer Camp Scholarships
Open Door Scholarships for families in need Chronic Disease education and support
Senior Citizen Activities Health and Wellness for all
en and adults to ors Scholarship issippi Gulf A generates p opportunity
2025 Sponsorship Opportunities
$25,000 $10,000 $5,000
Platinum Presenting Sponsor
2 Reserved prominent tables for 10
Corporate Logo/Name listed on invitation, video, event program, promo materials and YMCA lobby slide show for 1 year
Name mentioned as part of presentation at event Listed as Presenting Sponsor on all media
Corporate Logo/Name on YMCA Special Event promotions and t-shirts for 1 year
Corporate Logo/Name on YMCA Summer Camp t-shirts for upcoming year
Corporate Logo/Name on YMCA Youth Sports team jerseys for Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter leagues for upcoming year
Corporate Logo/Name on MGCYMCA.org website with link to corporate website for 1 year
Special recognition on social media
Gold Presenting Sponsor
2 Reserved prominent tables for 10
Corporate Logo/Name listed on invitation, video, event program, promo materials and YMCA lobby slide show for 1 year
Name mentioned as part of presentation at event Listed as Presenting Sponsor on all media
Corporate Logo/Name on YMCA Special Event promotions and t-shirts for 1 year
Corporate Logo/Name on YMCA Summer Camp t-shirts for upcoming year
Corporate Logo/Name on YMCA Youth Sports team jerseys for Spring and Fall leagues for upcoming year
Corporate Logo/Name on MGCYMCA.org website with link to corporate website for 1 year
Special recognition on social media
Silver Presenting Sponsor
1 Reserved prominent table for 8
Corporate Logo/Name listed on invitation, video, event program, promo materials and YMCA lobby slide show for 1 year
Name mentioned as part of presentation at event
Corporate Logo/Name on YMCA
Special Event promotions and tshirts for 1 year
Corporate Logo/Name on YMCA Youth Sports team jerseys for Summer and Winter leagues for upcoming year
Corporate Logo/Name on MGCYMCA.org website with link to corporate website for 1 year
Recognition on social media
$3,500
Photography/Selfie Sponsor
1 Reserved table for 8
Corporate Logo/Name listed on event program and YMCA lobby slide show for 1 year
Corporate Logo/Name prominently displayed and mentioned as part of the selfie station announcements
Corporate Logo/Name incorporated into selfie station photographs
Corporate Name on MGCYMCA.org website
Recognition on social media
Want to make your sponsorship go even further?
You can choose to be a TABLELESS or NON-ATTENDING SPONSOR and get all the perks without event participation.
2025 Sponsorship Opportunities
$3,000
Beverage Sponsor
1 Reserved table for 8
Corporate Logo/Name listed on event program and YMCA lobby slide show for 1 year
Corporate Logo/Name prominently displayed and mentioned as part of the Beverage Station announcements
Corporate Name on MGCYMCA.org website Recognition on social media
$2,000
Auction Sponsor
1 Reserved table for 8
Corporate Logo/Name listed on event program and YMCA lobby slide show for 1 year
Corporate Logo/Name prominently displayed at and mentioned as part of the silent auction announcements
Corporate Name on MGCYMCA.org website Recognition on social media
$2,500
Bronze Sponsor
1 Reserved table for 8
Corporate Logo/Name listed on event program and YMCA lobby slide show for 1 year
Name mentioned as part of presentation at event
Corporate Name on MGCYMCA.org website
Recognition on social media
$1,000
Table Sponsor
1 Reserved table for 8
Corporate Logo/Name listed on event program and YMCA lobby slide show for 1 year
Please select sponsorship level and fill our the info below or sign up online.
Platinum Presenting Sponsor - $25,000
Silver Presenting Sponsor - $5,000
Beverage Sponsor - $3,000
Auction Sponsor - $2,000
I am interested in a customizable sponsorship opportunity
2025 Sponsorship Commitment Form
Gold Presenting Sponsor - $10,000
Photography/Selfie Sponsor - $3,500
Bronze Sponsor - $2,500
Table Sponsor - $1,000
While I cannot sponsor at this time, I would like to purchase individual tickets. Number of tickets @ $125 each
Company/Organization will attend as Sponsor
Company/Organization/Individual Name:
Event Recognition Name (if different from above):
Contact Name:
Address:
Company/Organization will be TABLELESS Sponsor
City: State: Zip:
Phone: Email: Invoice Check (Payable to YMCA) Credit Card Discover Visa MasterCard
Name as it appears on card:
Card Number:
Expiration Date:
Security Code:
Mail this form and payment to: MS Gulf Coast YMCA Humanitarian BanquetATTN: Deven Matthews or Jara Miller
1810 Government Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or Email to dmatthews@mgcYMCA.org and jmiller@mgcYMCA.org
SCAN HERE TO SPONSOR
