The YMCA of Singapore raised over $400,000 at its appeal gala dinner held on Wednesday night. This is the second time the charity has held a dinner to raise funds.

The money will go towards YMCA schemes including its community service programmes, and Project Bridge, which reaches out to out-of-school youth and those at risk, with the aim of getting them back to school or helping them secure a job.

Some 200 guests attended the event which raised funds through the sale of tickets for the event and an auction.

YMCA requires about $1 million in funds each year to run its community service programmes. It currently has 4,000 beneficiaries.