Metro YMCA Raises $66K for Mental Health at Second Sporting Clays

LIVINGSTON, NJ - The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, a leading non-profit organization serving Bergen, Essex, and Sussex counties, celebrated a successful second annual Sporting Clays fundraiser on Oct. 27 at the iconic Hudson Farm Club in Andover, raising a net total of $66,000 to expand mental health programs across the Metro Y.

The event drew 46 participants for a day of outdoor activities and networking. Highlights included a welcome luncheon, ceremonial cannon firing, shooting lessons, a sporting clays tournament, and an evening cocktail reception with dinner and live auction. Participants ranged from novice shooters to experienced enthusiasts, all coming together to support the Y’s efforts in improving access to health and wellness support.

"We are thrilled by the incredible support from our participants, sponsors, and volunteers at this year’s Sporting Clays event,” said Metro YMCA Chief Development Officer Deborah Kessler. “It’s inspiring to see our community come together in such a meaningful way to ensure families have access to the mental health care and resources they need to thrive.”

Funds will support mental health initiatives across all six Metro Y branches, including staff training, youth development, and community programs. To date, more than 400 staff have earned certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Nurtured Heart Approach®, or QPR Suicide Prevention. The Y’s four-person Mental Health team has hosted over 40 parent workshops, introduced three social-emotional learning curricula in childcare programs serving 3,000 youth, and responded to more than 400 behavior support requests in 2025 alone.

This year’s sponsors included: Vericon Construction as Event Sponsor, S2C Contracting, MTP, Lakeside Construction Inc., RoNetco Supermarkets, R&R Construction Co., International Longshoreman’s Association, Local 1, The Dale Group Insurance and Bonds, Valley Bank, Peapack Private Bank & Trust, Pennant Park, Sameer Malthotra, Donald J. Parks Inc., Jeff London, HQW Architects, Wallkill Group and Ted Foung.

Learn more about the Y’s mental health programs at https://www.metroymcas.org/mental-health.

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ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its six branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston and Stillwater are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.