North Suburban Y's Fundraising Dinner an amazing night

Posted May 10, 2023 1:00 am

North Suburban YMCA

Kathy Fielding, CEO of the North Suburban YMCA, awards A.C. Buehler with the 2023 Thiel Award for social responsibility and community leadership. Courtesy of Becky Lindquist/NSYMCA

Called "an amazing night" by Alison Whitlock, Northbrook resident and a new North Suburban YMCA board member, the Y's 18th Community Strong Fundraising Dinner and Casino Night drew more than 250 people to Loft 21 in Lincolnshire.

Community Strong events, such as the April 28 dinner and an upcoming golf outing, help provide more than $500,000 in scholarships to make YMCA's programs accessible to those in need, and provide free programs and services that meet community needs. The charitable mission supports more than 2,600 people annually at the YMCA, 2705 Techny Road, Northbrook.

The Fundraising Dinner and Casino Night featured live music, casino games, food provided by Jordan's Food of Distinction and one of the Y's largest silent and live auctions with more than 220 items and gift packages.

Festivities also featured the annual presentation of the Ken and Alta Thiel Award for Social Responsibility and Leadership. The honoree was the Buehler Family Foundation, accepted by longtime Northbrook resident A.C. Buehler.

Recipients of the Thiel Award, named in honor of North Suburban YMCA founders Ken and Alta Thiel, are selected for their dedication and service to the community. Past recipients include Ron Bernardi of Sunset Foods, former Wintrust CEO and President Ed Wehmer, and Northwestern University football coach Pat Fitzgerald.

"We are so lucky to have such amazing support in our community, from our board of directors, staff, members, sponsors, local business, and community members. Everyone plays a part in helping our Y do the important community work and it also reminds people that we are more than just a gym," said North Suburban YMCA CEO Kathy Fielding.

An example is the YMCA Education Series, a series of free presentations by local professionals covering topics related to physical, mental, and social health and well-being.

Also recorded as podcasts, the next Y.E.S. presentation will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday when Josselyn's Maggie Nash discusses how to approach uncomfortable conversations about mental health.

The year's second Community Strong event will be an annual Golf Fundraiser and Patio Party at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling on July 13.

To learn more about the YMCA's Community Strong efforts and the golf outing, contact Kim Nyren at knyren@nsymca.org. For information on the Y.E.S. series, visit nsymca.org and select "Events" under the "Get Involved" pull-down menu.

Northbrook resident and Sunset Foods Manager Charlie Corrigan raises his bidder number in an effort to raise money for the North Suburban YMCA during its annual fundraiser on April 28. Courtesy of Becky Lindquist/NSYMCA

The North Suburban YMCA's annual Community Strong Fundraising Dinner drew more than 250 people to Loft 21 in Lincolnshire on April 28. Courtesy of Becky Lindquist/NSYMCA

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