NSYMCA announces its 'Community Strong' fundraisers
The North Suburban YMCA has announced its 2022 "Community Strong" fundraisers that include the Community Strong Fundraising Dinner and Casino Night on Friday, May 6, at Loft 21 in Lincolnshire, and the second annual Community Strong Golf Fundraiser and Patio Party Thursday, July 21, at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling.
The Y's Community Strong annual events provide the funding to make NSYMCA programs accessible to those in financial need, providing families with after-school child care, lifesaving swim lessons, summer camp, special needs programs, senior support and more.
The Community Strong events were revamped and rebranded last year due to the effects of COVID. With needs bigger than ever, the two events allowed the Y to spread out its fundraising goals so it could support its financial assistance program while rebuilding the Y's future operations and facility.
"I've been so humbled by the overwhelming support of our members, local businesses, and the community at large during these challenging times," said North Suburban YMCA CEO Kathy Fielding.
"Our Community Strong events not only help us continue to offer our current programs to those in financial need, but they also help to improve the health and well-being of everyone in our community, and fortify the future of the Y to ensure we can continue to serve the community for generations to come."
The first of the two fundraising events is the Community Strong Dinner & Casino at Loft 21, a new venue for the Y.
It will feature live music, a seated dinner, casino and silent and live auctions, which will be virtual and accessible to all. The venue was chosen for its 20-foot ceilings, large floor plan to spread out tables and outdoor terrace.
The event will also feature the annual presentation of the Ken and Alta Thiel Award for Social Responsibility and Leadership, which will be awarded to Waterway Carwash, a St. Louis-based company that has grown to four locations since its arrival in Northbrook seven years ago.
The Thiel award was named in honor of the North Suburban Y's founders, Ken and Alta Thiel.
"On behalf of Waterway, we are thrilled to be the honoree this year," said Jason Young, managing partner of Waterway. "The Y was one of our first community partners when we arrived in Northbrook in 2015, and we have always supported their mission for a stronger community.
"To be recognized for our efforts with the Y means so much. Our goal is to follow their lead by continuing to support local initiatives, schools, and community events for years to come."
In July, the Community Strong Golf Event, presented by Northwestern Medicine, will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., followed by a patio party reception from 6-8 p.m.
The outing will feature the "Beat the Pro"contest sponsored by PGA Tour Superstore, a chipping contest, and fun new challenges added, like "best-dressed" team award.
Last year the event sold out, had more than 40 sponsors, and raised funds netting more than $38,000 to help the Y and support families that rely on financial assistance to attend the its programs.
Formerly the Strong Kids Fundraising Dinner, the Community Strong mission is to raise funding for the one out of five participants at the North Suburban YMCA who receive financial assistance. The annual event raises about 50% of the $500,000 in scholarship needs for the year.
During the height of the pandemic in 2021, the NSYMCA rebranded the event to cover the much-needed funds to "fortify the Y" and keep the organization and its facility strong for future generations. To date, the dinner has raised over $4 million, helping more than 2,700 families per year receive the Y's programs and services.
To learn more about the Community Strong efforts and May 21 dinner, visit www.nsymca.org/community-strong-dinner or contact Kim Nyren at knyren@nsymca.org.
To purchase golf outing tickets, or to be a Community Strong golf outing sponsor, visit www.nsymca.org/golf.
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.