Fundraisers to help Young Center

The Kenneth Young Center, an Elk Grove Village-based center for community mental health and senior services, reports that state funding is tenuous, foundation funding is down, corporate support is down and United Way funding has dropped for its programs has dropped 60 percent.

"Meanwhile, the need is growing," said Mitch Bruski, KYC CEO. "We see people with more severe problems. More people need our services. We're also serving many more seniors, more children in psychiatric crisis, and more of our clients are economically stressed and worried."

Individual giving is the donation source that has stayed strong for KYC, even though nationally individual donations to nonprofits also are down.

As the agency has looked to diversify its financial support, its constituents and donors have stepped up with a generosity that will help lessen dependence on state funding, Bruski said.

"KYC donors understand the relevance of this organization and the importance of our mission. Many of our donors understand that every contribution, large or small, truly makes a difference," he said.

In September alone, three fundraising events are planned:

• Volunteer and employee Lois Colaprete is planning an Elk Grove House Walk for Saturday, Sept. 12, in Elk Grove Village. Tickets are $20 now or $25 day of event.

• Our Saviour's United Methodist Church in Schaumburg is holding a Family Fest afternoon on Sunday, Sept. 13, with freewill offering being taken.

• Jeff and Candice Milstein, owners of Wyatt Austin Jewelers, are hosting a wine tasting/jewelry event in their Woodfield area store. Admission is a $25 donation to KYC.

These are in addition to the center's traditional fundraisers: the Fashion Show, Walk and Golf Outing.

"People are being very creative in finding ways to help," says Cheri Seley, the agency's resource development manager.

Details about these events is at kennethyoung.org.