The YWCA of Gettysburg and Adams County’s legacy of community support and advocacy began 95 years ago. The work started with two sisters, Annie and Irene Danner, but hundreds of women have worked tirelessly throughout the decades to continue this work.
To mark 95 years of service, the YWCA board of directors invites everyone to attend a 95th Birthday Celebration on Friday, August 16 from 6:30-10:30 pm at the Lodges at Gettysburg on Camp Gettysburg Road.
Today, the Y is working to remain the vital community center we’ve always been, and that takes funding. Our 95th Birthday Celebration is a way for the community to come together and provide needed financial support to continue to provide our programs and services. Through $950 Sisterhood Sponsorships and ticket sales, attendees can know they are financially supporting their YWCA.
The celebration will highlight the history of the YWCA and its steadfast commitment to Adams County over the decades. Former board members will be on hand for a special program, but attendees will also enjoy a dinner, dancing and a silent auction of great items, including two beach weeks!
Annie and Irene Danner were particularly dedicated to caring for young women and through the bequest of their family home in 1925 and after a few years of planning and programming for young women, the local Y became an official branch of the national YWCA in 1929.
Since its incorporation, the YWCA flourished in the Danner residence on Lincoln Square. The first Adams County Public Library was housed at the YWCA and during World War II, the YWCA served as the USO. In the 50s and 60s the YWCA worked to end segregation and created the popular Y-teen programs. The YWCA began offering new programs in the 70s, including yoga, photography and first aid.
Through community generosity, In the 1980s, the YWCA grew into the community center we know today on Fairfield Road, offering advocacy, childcare, a publicly available aquatics program and a fitness center.
Sisterhood sponsorships are $950 and tickets are $95 per person, available online at ywcagettysburg.org or by stopping by the front desk at 909 Fairfield Road. If you have questions or would like to purchase a table, or a sponsorship, please contact Nancy Lilley at 717-334-9171.