North Suburban YMCA holds fourth annual Community Strong golf event

The Y raises $58K+ to help with financial aid and charitable support for the community in its Community Strong fundraising efforts

On July 18 under blue skies and gorgeous 70 degree weather, over 110 golfers, 25 volunteers, and more than 60 sponsors and vendors participated in the North Suburban YMCA’s (NSYMCA) fourth annual Community Strong Golf Fundraiser at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling.

The golf fundraiser raised $58K+ which helps close the gap in the over $500K needed every year to support its financial assistance program for families that come to the Y for little to no cost.

The golf event and fundraiser is the second phase of the Y’s Community Strong Fundraising events of 2024. The Y’s Community Strong Dinner and Casino night held in April at Loft 21 was the first phase of its efforts. All funds raised at these two events go directly back into the financial assistance scholarships and support its operations and community programs. The Community Strong effort raises about half the funds needed to support the charitable work of the NSYMCA every year.

“We are thrilled with the results of this year’s golf fundraiser,” beamed Kathy Fielding, CEO of the NSYMCA. “Having so many people support this event is humbling and it shows us that they not only want to support our efforts, but truly love our golf outing, an event that seems to get better and better every year, making us very proud’”

Following a day out on the course, a closing reception and patio party was held to celebrate the outcome of the fundraising event and recognized the tournament winners.

This year, the top trophy and prizes went to two golf foursomes who tied at the end of the 18-hole tournament: Team Silverman: Jamie Silverman, David Rogers, Andy Laughlin and Miguel Dania and Team Schultz: Howard Schultz, Kevin Braude, Chase Noonan and Shawn Gordan shared the covenant trophy.

A favorite of the competitions is the best dressed team where Team Silverman won for the second year in a row. The best dressed foursome winners were Jamie Silverman, David Rogers, Andy Laughlin and Miguel Dania, who came to the event dressed in matching bright yellow pants, plaid shirts and bright yellow sunglasses. The Best Dressed Single golfer went to Gary Rubin, a Northbrook resident and member at the YMCA.

New this year was Best Decorated Golf Cart where the winners went all out in pink Barbie-themed attire with carts decorated in pink cardboard and signage. Winners were Northbrook residents Jenna Dickson, Abbie Lyman, Andrea Denes, Molly Brown and Julie Hochschild.

Many golfers participated in the fun with honorable mentions going to Team Rush dressed as “The Masters Caddies” and Team Chabebe from Rover’s Place dressed in personalized golf shirts with pictures of their pet dogs.

“The energy this year was fantastic and everyone really got into the spirit that day,” said Kim Nyren, director of Community Investments and Events. “The outpouring of support exceeded last year with over 60 sponsors,” continued Nyren. “Events like this are not possible without the support of local businesses and we are very lucky to be in a community that cares about what we do for families and the underserved.”

Sponsors of the 2024 NSYMCA’s Community Strong Golf Outing included: Patio Party sponsors: Warren Barr Buffalo Grove, Bella Terra Wheeling, Avantara Long Grove, Avantara Libertyville; Beverage Cart sponsor: VisoGraphics; Contest sponsors; Wintrust Community Banks, 94.7 WLS-FM, Q101-FM, WLS-AM, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and UBS Financial Services; Hole sponsors: Norwood Builders, 4S Bay Partners, Autohaus, Covenant Living, Countryside Day School, Vasey Team — State Farm, FGMK, Greengard Engineers, Hunger Resource Network, Hill & Stone Insurance, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, Janzen & Chwa Ortho, Paylocity, Reebie Moving & Storage, Sunset Foods, Verilife, Waterway Carwash; Cart sponsors: Rover’s Place, Tom Len Custom Homes, The Manual Touch PT; Byline Bank, Human Interest, Elite Remodeling Group, Mike Rizzo State Farm; Tee Box sponsors: CJE SeniorLife, Stumm Insurance, Superior Optical, Chepov & Scott, LLC and Wildfire Glenview/Lincolnshire; Dessert sponsor: Culver’s Northbrook; Music sponsor: Bach to Rock Northbrook; Prize sponsors: PGA Tour Superstore — Vernon Hills, Bettinardi Golf, Wildfire Glenview/Lincolnshire, Kendra Scott Jewelry and many more.

The NSYMCA services Northbrook and 15 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.