The NSYMCA Finds Creative Ways to Raise Charitable Dollars for the Y and the Community
Community members and the Y staff are getting ready for the North Suburban YMCA's 15th Annual Fundraiser, the Community Strong Week (formerly the Ken and Alta Thiel Strong Kids Fundraiser).
With an official kickoff of Sunday, Aug. 22, the Community Strong Week will include a virtual event, and a weeklong auction, then culminate in an outdoor "Dinner under the Stars" on Saturday, August 28 at 6 p.m. Due to capacity limits, the 2021 annual event has been revamped and expanded to include the Y's inaugural golf outing (held on July 22), the virtual event, and the outdoor dinner.
"Our new fundraising name, 'Community Strong' reflects the Y's dynamic future of serving our neighbors through social responsibility, healthy living, and youth development," explained Kathy Fielding, CEO of the North Suburban YMCA.
Stating that in light of the pandemic, the Y needs the community's support now more than ever, Fielding added, "We're committed to delivering breakthrough programming to all, regardless of ability to pay, age, background, ethnicity/race, faith, ideology, national origin, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation."
The Community Strong week will feature a live online event sponsored by Allstate, a virtual auction hosted by local legend Ron Bernardi, videos highlighting the Y's impact in the community, and conclude with the Community Strong "Dinner under the Stars" celebration.
The dinner will be held outdoors under tents on the YMCA grounds and include a private seated dinner, music, free casino entertainment, a live and silent auction, and the presentation of the Ken and Alta Thiel Award for Social Responsibility and Leadership.
The dinner is for ticket holders only and not open to the public. To safely work with COVID precautions, the Y is selling tickets for private tables of 6, 8, and 10 people. For participants who want to attend the dinner but do not have a table of 6 or more, individual tickets may be purchased by contacting Kim Nyren, knyren@nsymca.org. All tickets must be purchased by Aug. 15.
This year's honorees for the NSYMCA Ken and Alta Thiel Award for Social Responsibility will go to Hunger Resource Network's Dan Jariabka, President/Founder, and Henry Fetta, Director/Vice President. The recipients of this award are selected for their outstanding dedication and service to the community. Hunger Resource Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the alleviation of hunger. An all-volunteer organization, Hunger Resource Network and its program, Hunger Free Northbrook, has donated more than 3 million pounds of food to families and students in need. Jariabka and Fetta are the driving force behind its mission and work.
"We are so honored by this award and believe our partnership with the Y can continue to help more and more people," said Jariabka.
"When organizations like HRN and the Y work together, we can make great things happen for our community," added Fetta.
The 2021 Community Strong events help provide the financial assistance funding to make Y programs accessible to families in need, and also help raise charitable dollars to fortify the Y's future, allowing the Y to continue to do its mission work in the community.
"There's so much more to our YMCA than gym and swim. We are education, youth development, volunteerism, preventive health, and more. The Y doesn't just strengthen our bodies and minds, it strengthens our community. No other organization can impact as many people as powerfully as we do every day,"said Kim Nyren, the NSYMCA director of Community Investments.
Sponsors of the Community Strong Week include Tito's Handmade Vodka, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, Northwestern Medicine, Wintrust Community Banks, Allstate, First Bank of Highland Park, The Daily Herald, Waterway Carwash, VisoGraphics, Amplivox Sound Systems, Hill & Stone, Dairy Queen-Northbrook, FGK Services, Nothing Bundt Cakes-Deerfield, @properties Team Trux, Bach to Rock, and many more.
"We are so lucky to have such supportive companies and partnerships this year," adds Nyren. "Our sponsors have made so many of these events possible for us this year and they truly believe in what we do for our communities."
The Community Strong Fundraiser Week Schedule:
Sunday, 8/22: Live Virtual Fundraiser
Saturday, 8/28: "Dinner Under the Stars" 6 p.m., outdoors under the tents at the NSYMCA (Limited Capacity, for ticket holders only)
Donations to the NSYMCA Community Strong fund allow Y programming and services to be available to anyone in the community, regardless of their ability to pay. Financial support is also needed to help offset reduced revenue and added expenses due to the pandemic. To learn more about ways to support the YMCA, contact Kim Nyren, knyren@nsymca.org. For ticket and sponsorship information, visit the North Suburban YMCA's website at www.nsymca.org/communitystrong.
About the North Suburban YMCA
The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.